07/14/2026
We've been thinking about the word feedback lately.
It's one of the most overused, and misunderstood, words in leadership.
Feedback should help someone improve. It should provide direction, build confidence, and leave a person with a better understanding of what's expected.
Instead, many professionals tell me they leave "feedback" conversations feeling discouraged, embarrassed, or unsure of themselves.
That's not feedback.
That's criticism.
The managers who have made the biggest impact on my career weren't the ones who avoided difficult conversations.
They were the ones who delivered them with clarity, respect, and a genuine desire to help me grow.
Every conversation is an opportunity to build someone up, even when the message is difficult.
People may not remember every word you said.
But they'll remember how your feedback made them feel.