Feedback-and-forth Gifts ⏪🎁⏩

Feedback is a gift. Given with care, it empowers. Received with humility, it transforms. Yet too often, it’s used for fear and control rather than growth. Effective feedback should unlock potential, not diminish confidence. Are we fostering progress or merely pointing out flaws—or worse, offering reassurance in fear of retaliation?

My greatest growth came from creating environments where mentors felt safe sharing feedback—which I noted, prioritized, and implemented.

To maximize the effectiveness of feedback conversations, follow these Golden Trifecta steps:

✅ Care to Set the Stage

"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." — John C. Maxwell

Feedback should never feel like an ambush. Timing, tone, and setting are all essential. Before speaking, ask: Am I showing personal care to help them improve, or just venting frustration?

"Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it."— Bahá’u’lláh

✅ Nurture with Courage

"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots." — Frank A. Clark

Vague feedback like “Do better” or "Keep it up" is useless. Be precise to focus on behaviors and actions: “Your report clearly communicated points, but adding real-world examples will strengthen your argument.” Constructive feedback should empower action—but requires the courage to be honest with the intent to help.

✅ Receive with Humility

"He who learns but does not think is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." — Confucius

Pause and reflect. Even when feedback stings, think to yourself: What can I learn? Seeking feedback—especially from those at lower ranks—fosters trust, respect, and candor.

Feedback is a two-way street—a tool for growth, connection, and trust.

Margaret Heffernan, a business leader who studies social dynamics of the most successful companies, puts it best: "Conflict is frequent because candor is safe, so good ideas can turn into great ideas."

Role model a growth mindset and create relationships that welcome the discomfort of real feedback! 🚀🌟

🔹Margaret Heffernan on Social Capital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyn_xLrtZaY

© Nuri Dimler 2025