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- How to Give the Right Kind of Feedback
Good leaders make you believe in them, great leaders help you believe in you.
Feedback is one of the most important ways to help someone believe in themselves. The best feedback is direct and transfers belief. Done poorly, it crushes confidence. Done well, it fuels growth and performance.
If you care about giving or receiving feedback, this week is for you.
I. Great leaders give feedback that transfers belief.
What it means:
Feedback is more than pointing out mistakes or telling someone what they did wrong. That approach creates fear and frustration. The right kind of feedback shows employees that you see their potential, even when performance falls short.
When feedback transfers belief, your team members leave the conversation not only knowing where they stand, but also feeling like you see a better version of them waiting to emerge.
II. A leader’s job is to teach, not critique
What it means:
Criticism tears people down. Teaching builds them up. Leaders often forget this distinction, but it makes all the difference. Your role is not to act flawless while pointing out flaws in others. Your role is to use feedback as a development tool.
The best leaders are teachers. Your job is to help people perform better and meet their potential. That’s impossible if all you do is critique.
III. Feedback without clarity is noise.
What it means:
Telling someone “you need to step up” or “this isn’t good enough” is easy, but it’s not helpful. Vague feedback creates confusion because it leaves people wondering what success actually looks like. That’s why good constructive feedback is specific, timely, and actionable.
Without clarity, feedback is little more than noise. With clarity, it becomes a roadmap to improvement.
Use your gifts,
John Eades
CEO | LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure
The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)
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The Optimistic Outlook is now available wherever you listen to podcasts. Channel your inner John Eades and make your kids listen to it, then read it aloud to work on their minds and communication skills.
Talent vs. Focus (Video)
Leaders don’t often lack talent; they lack focus. Focus is the habit of habits. Focus is what separates action from distraction.
For more details on The Teamwork Advantage keynote or any other talks and workshops, visit johneades.com or LearnLoft.com.
Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:
Customized Leadership Development Programs: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.
1:1 Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more
Speaking: We are now booking keynotes for the fall of 2025. Hit reply on this note, or check out some of our recent talks here.
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