The Leader's Compass - Newsletter (Giving and Receiving Feedback Effectively)

Giving and Receiving Feedback Effectively

Feedback. Just the word can make people tense up.

But for leaders, feedback is fuel. It's how we grow, improve, and help others do the same. The challenge? Most of us were never really taught how to give or receive it well.

If we’re not careful, feedback can feel like criticism. But in healthy, thriving organizations, feedback is normalized as a gift — a tool for growth and clarity. So how do we get there?

3 Keys to Giving Effective Feedback

1. Make It Timely

Feedback loses power the longer you wait. When something goes well (or not so well), address it promptly. This keeps the context fresh and the impact high.

💡 Tip: Don’t save feedback for annual reviews. Look for regular opportunities to give small, actionable insights.

2. Be Specific and Objective

General comments like “You need to communicate better” are vague and unhelpful. Instead, say,
"In yesterday’s meeting, it seemed like the team didn’t fully understand the next steps. Could we try recapping decisions at the end of meetings?"

3. Balance the Scales

Feedback isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong. Recognize what’s working, too. People thrive on knowing what to continue, not just what to change.

3 Keys to Receiving Feedback Gracefully

1. Listen to Understand

It’s easy to get defensive. Instead, stay curious. Ask, “Can you give me an example?” or “What impact did that have?”

2. Say Thank You

Even if the feedback stings, gratitude keeps the door open. Someone took the time (and risk) to share something they believe will help you. Honor that.

3. Reflect and Apply

Feedback without action is wasted. Take time to process, extract the truth from it, and apply what serves you.

Why This Matters for Servant Leaders

Servant leadership isn’t about exerting authority or micromanaging outcomes—it’s about empowering others to reach their full potential. At the heart of this leadership philosophy is the ability to provide and receive feedback in a way that nurtures growth, strengthens relationships, and fosters a culture of continuous learning.

Feedback as a Tool for Growth

Great leaders don’t just direct; they develop. Feedback—when done effectively—becomes one of the most powerful tools for professional and personal development. When you provide constructive, thoughtful feedback, you help individuals recognize blind spots, refine their strengths, and become more effective in their roles. Likewise, when you open yourself to receiving feedback, you demonstrate humility and a commitment to self-improvement, setting the tone for a culture of learning.

Building Trust Through Open Communication

One of the most significant benefits of normalizing feedback is the establishment of trust. When people feel safe to give and receive honest feedback without fear of punishment or embarrassment, they become more engaged, open, and aligned with the organization’s vision. Trust leads to stronger collaboration, improved morale, and a team that feels genuinely supported.

💡 Servant Leader’s Mindset Shift: Instead of seeing feedback as a critique, view it as an opportunity to serve your team by helping them excel.

Creating a Safe and Productive Feedback Culture

A feedback-rich culture doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through intentional effort. As a servant leader, you can foster this environment by:
✅ Encouraging open dialogue where feedback is a two-way street.
✅ Modeling vulnerability by asking for feedback on your leadership.
✅ Providing feedback with the intent to uplift, not to tear down.
✅ Offering solutions alongside critiques to make feedback actionable.

The Ripple Effect of a Feedback Culture

When feedback becomes a natural part of your leadership style, it doesn’t just benefit individuals—it transforms teams and organizations. Teams that embrace feedback:
🔹 Solve problems more efficiently.
🔹 Develop higher levels of innovation and creativity.
🔹 Experience greater engagement and job satisfaction.
🔹 Become more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges.

Leader’s Challenge for the Week

1. Give one piece of helpful feedback to someone today.
2. Invite feedback from your team by asking, “What’s one thing I could do to better support you?”

Growth starts with one honest conversation.

Recommended Reading

• Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
  A must-read on how to handle feedback—especially the kind that's hard to hear. This book focuses on receiving feedback with grace and growth in mind, offering practical strategies for turning any feedback into fuel for improvement.
• Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
  A modern classic on balancing direct, honest feedback with genuine care for people. Kim Scott shares actionable insights on building strong relationships while challenging people to do their best work.
• The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
  by James C. Hunter
  This book is a foundational read for anyone wanting to understand servant leadership. Through a compelling story, it explores how serving others, including through meaningful feedback, creates lasting influence and success.

I hope you find this newsletter content inspiring and resourceful. Thank you for being a part of our leadership community! I invite you to share this with others.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What topics or features would you like to see in future editions? Please let me know!

Thank you!

Aaron

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