How to give (and receive) constructive feedback

Feedback is a gift, so don't shy away from it if you want to lead well

Feedback is a gift.

I bet you’ve heard that sooo many times throughout your career haven’t you?

It’s a trope. A cliche.

BUT, here’s the kicker…

It’s 100% true.

In today’s edition, we’re talking about one of the most challenging things you will need to master in your career, particularly if you want to lead well.

Being able to comfortably give and receive constructive feedback.

This is a topic that is so important to me, as I struggled with this (on both sides) for many years. So I hope it helps! And if it does, can I ask a favour?

Could you please share Lead with Intention if you think there’s value here for others to learn and grow from? I LOVE writing on this app for you, but I’d like to help more people who need a dose of leadership advice in their lives every week.

Here’s the button and it’s easy to do - thank you!

I’m also excited to let you know that I have now opened the waiting list for the official launch of The Confident Leader group coaching programme. We start in late September, just in time for that vital last quarter of the year for your professional development. I’ve loved running the pilot programme over the summer and I know you’ll benefit, just like my pilot participants.

Join the waitlist here and be the first to know when it goes live (plus an exclusive discount)

Giving and getting constructive feedback

First of all, what is constructive feedback and why it is so important?

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of this kind of feedback in your role, you’ll know why it’s so important. Picture the scene…

“This piece of work isn’t right.”

“Ok. Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s just not right.”

“Well I don’t know what to do with that information.”

I cringe as I type this, knowing full well I have given this type of feeedback before in my career, then wondering why the person on the receiving end a) wasn’t able to read my mind and b) was upset or angry as a result.

Constructive feedback means giving feedback that people can BUILD ON and LEARN FROM. And crucially, it’s separated from any personal feelings you may have about that person.

It’s about the work.

Here’s how to give it as a manager or a leader…