Consider these two questions:

How comfortable are you in committing to learning and growth?

How comfortable are you in receiving feedback?

You’ll probably find that your answers are diametrically opposed. You’ll probably be similarly placed when the context shifts from yourself to others. We are nearly always wanting to make a difference to the growth of others, yet we have an aversion to giving them feedback. Feedback is the very foundation of learning and growth - without it we stifle and real development.

So what do you need to be good and comfortable at giving (or receiving) feedback?

Feedback is a conundrum and a contradiction. It is absolutely necessary for growth, yet it triggers the threat-based pathways in the brain that prevent acquisition and deep learning. Particularly feedback done poorly.

One question alone can help shift a feedback conversation from being awkward to gifting a real opportunity for learning…