The Power of Feedback – Unlocking Performance and Teamwork

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools in the workplace—yet many still find it challenging to both give and receive. When used effectively, feedback fosters trust, accountability, and continuous growth. But when handled poorly, it can create confusion, frustration, and unnecessary conflict.

Mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback is a core leadership skill—regardless of your industry or role. In a time when collaboration, change, and innovation are essential, clear and constructive communication is key to growth—both for individuals and teams.

Feedback That Builds—Not Breaks

Research shows that employees who receive regular, constructive feedback are more motivated, engaged, and loyal. According to a Gallup study, teams that receive consistent feedback perform 12% better than those that don’t.

Feedback isn’t about correcting or criticizing—it’s about supporting growth, building relationships, and creating opportunities to learn. It requires us to see the person behind the behavior and to offer input that’s actually useful and actionable.

Effective Feedback Is:

• Specific and concrete – Describe behaviors, not personalities.Example: “You interrupted the customer several times during the meeting” rather than “You’re insensitive.”

• Forward-looking – Focus on what the person can do differently next time. Help outline clear next steps.

• Balanced – Highlight what’s working, not just what needs improvement. This builds motivation and trust.

• Inviting – Create a dialogue, not a monologue. Ask questions, invite reflection, and show you’re in it together.
  

Creating a culture where feedback is a natural and respectful part of daily work is an investment in both well-being and performance. It makes a real difference—not just at the individual level, but across the entire organization.

Receiving Feedback – The Underrated Skill

It’s easy to get defensive when someone offers us critical feedback—even when it’s meant to help. But those who learn to listen actively, ask questions, and reflect on what they hear grow faster and stronger in their roles.

It’s about choosing growth over ego—seeing feedback as an opportunity rather than a threat.

A Strong Feedback Receiver Shows:

• Curiosity over pride – “What can I learn from this?”

• Separation of self and situation – Even tough feedback can be valuable.

• A growth mindset – Seeing feedback as a gift and a chance to level up.
  

When you show you can take feedback with openness, you signal maturity and accountability—qualities that elevate both you and your team.

Feedback Builds Psychological Safety

When feedback is given with respect and received with openness, it lays the groundwork for psychological safety—a team culture where people feel safe to make mistakes, speak up, and try new things. That kind of environment is critical for innovation, learning, and trust.

Google’s research identified psychological safety as the #1 factor in high-performing teams. It’s not raw performance alone that drives success—but the climate where performance can grow and thrive.

In a safe workplace, people are more willing to both offer and ask for feedback, creating a powerful engine for ongoing improvement.

Reference: Stone, D. & Heen, S. (2014). Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well.