Feedback is one of the most practical tools leaders have for helping people grow, but many of us still hesitate to give it or ask for it. In this Other Voices episode of The Well-led Podcast, guests Mary Tettenhorst and Frank Sawyer explore why feedback can feel uncomfortable, how trust changes the conversation, and why effective feedback requires care, clarity, courage, and a willingness to learn.
Through their reflections, they discuss the fears that keep us quiet, the importance of making feedback specific and useful, and why leaders must model receiving feedback if they want others to do the same.
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Guest Information
Frank Sawyer has a career in healthcare administration distinguished by demonstrated results in hospital operations, strategy development and implementation, and large-scale improvement initiatives. He currently resides in Michigan with his wife and 2 kids.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankesawyer731/
Mary Tettenhorst, Founder of Impact Talent Strategies, partners with organizations to develop leaders, build strategic people practices, and drive meaningful results. With more than 20 years of experience across every facet of talent development, she brings a practical, people-first approach to the employee lifecycle – from recruiting and onboarding to leadership development, performance management, and succession planning.
Impact Talent Strategies
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytettenhorst/
www.linkedin.com/company/impacttalentstrategies
Key takeaways
Feedback is a tool for growth, not criticism.
Avoiding feedback may feel kind, but it can withhold needed clarity.
Trust creates the conditions for feedback to be received well.
Effective feedback focuses on specific behaviors and impact.
Asking for feedback demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to growth.
Leaders must invest the time and effort needed to provide meaningful feedback.
Receiving feedback well teaches others that honesty is safe.
Feedback works best when it becomes part of everyday conversations.
Great feedback combines courage and care.
Developing others starts with being willing to keep learning yourself.
Timestamps
0:01:11 Why feedback matters for leadership growth
0:02:20 The fear that prevents honest conversations
0:03:10 Building trust before giving feedback
0:06:35 Making feedback specific and actionable
0:09:00 Asking better questions to receive better feedback
0:11:54 Feedback as a leadership investment
0:16:00 Creating shared vulnerability
0:18:30 Using feedback to help people do their best work
Keywords
feedback, leadership development, effective leadership, human leadership, employee growth, team trust, communication skills, performance conversations, self-awareness, leadership feedback