Feedback That Drives Change

As a leader, feedback (both positive and constructive) has the potential to transform team performance, improve engagement, and build stronger relationships. But if feedback isn’t delivered effectively, it can backfire, creating defensiveness, confusion, and even disengagement.

So, why does feedback matter, and how can you master it as a leader?

Why Feedback is Essential for Leadership

Feedback provides a roadmap for growth, whether it’s celebrating what’s working well or highlighting areas that need improvement. Without feedback, your team members are left to guess where they stand, leading to misalignment, frustration, and missed opportunities. 

Feedback is also crucial in reinforcing your vision, building trust, and creating a sense of psychological safety within your team (which we just discussed in the previous post).

Feedback, when given correctly, becomes a vehicle for continuous improvement, not only for individuals but for the entire team. As a leader, your ability to deliver feedback effectively plays a pivotal role in shaping your team’s performance and growth trajectory.

The Art of Giving Feedback

To become a feedback master, you need to master two things: clarity and delivery. Here’s how you can do both:

1. Be Clear and Specific
   Avoid vague statements like “You did a great job.” Instead, say, “In today’s meeting, you explained the customer’s needs clearly, which helped us address their concerns right away.” Specificity makes feedback actionable and reinforces the behaviors you want to see more of.

2. Use a Feedback Formula
   The SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model is an excellent tool for structuring feedback in a way that’s clear, actionable, and non-threatening. By focusing on the situation and behavior, and then sharing the impact, you eliminate assumptions and focus on growth. This structure encourages team members to reflect on their actions and improve in the future.

3. Balance Positive and Constructive Feedback
   A balance of praise and constructive feedback is essential. Recognising achievements and progress while also offering actionable suggestions for improvement reinforces a growth mindset and motivates team members to strive for excellence.

4. Deliver Feedback in Real-Time
   Waiting for the “perfect moment” to give feedback often leads to missed opportunities. Give feedback in the moment - especially positive feedback - so the behavior is fresh in everyone’s mind. For constructive feedback, be timely, but don’t rush. Giving feedback in an appropriate moment close to the event ensures the conversation feels relevant and impactful.

5. Follow Up
   Feedback shouldn’t be a one-off. After providing feedback, follow up with your team to track progress and offer continued support. This shows you’re invested in their development and gives them the chance to act on your feedback. Ongoing feedback ensures that growth becomes a habit, not an isolated event.

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal as a leader - but it only works when done right. By mastering the art of giving clear, actionable feedback, you’ll create a culture of learning and trust, improving your team’s performance and morale.

Remember, feedback isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong - it’s about helping your team grow, learn, and thrive. When you get it right, feedback can drive real, lasting change in your team and your leadership.

Feedback isn’t a task - it’s a mindset. Master it, and watch your leadership, and your team, soar..

Ready to master the art of giving feedback that drives real change?

Join Coaching Week 2025 and learn how to give clear, actionable feedback that builds trust and improves team performance. Over 4 days, I’ll walk you through proven feedback strategies that will transform your leadership and help you create a culture of growth.

Register today and master feedback with actionable tools and live training and coaching to support you (July 21-24)

Click here to join us: https://ip.incrediblepeople.com.au/coachingweek