How to Give and Receive Feedback Effectively — The Leadership Skill That Fuels Innovation

Published On - May 24, 2022

Ted Bonel 1. PEOPLE
The gift of feedback - how to give and receive feedback effectively to gain fresh ideas

“Feedback is a gift — but only if you know how to unwrap it.”

Every leader knows feedback is essential.
Yet few truly master it.

Some avoid giving it because it feels uncomfortable.
Others ignore receiving it because it feels personal.

But when done well, feedback becomes the most powerful driver of growth, innovation, and trust inside any organization.

Why Feedback Matters More Than Ever

High-performing teams are built on open, honest communication.

Feedback:

  • Improves performance and learning.
  • Breaks bad habits and reinforces good ones.
  • Fuels creativity and collaboration.

In fact, a Gallup study found that teams perform 8.9% more profitably and with 12.5% greater productivity when managers are given feedback on their strengths.

The best companies treat feedback not as a threat — but as a system for learning.

Giving Constructive Feedback as a Leader

Constructive feedback is a skill. It’s also an act of respect.

When you care enough to give feedback clearly, compassionately, and consistently, you help others grow — and that builds loyalty.

Common pitfalls?
Vague advice, inconsistent timing, and judgmental tone. These trigger defensiveness and shut down learning.

Instead, follow these proven principles:

  1. Be Clear and Specific
    Don’t ramble or sugarcoat. Be direct, focus on behavior, not personality, and describe what success looks like.
  2. Be Timely and Frequent
    Feedback delayed is opportunity lost. Give it close to the event and follow up regularly — don’t wait for annual reviews.
  3. Give Actionable Advice
    Don’t just tell someone what’s wrong. Ask coaching questions that help them discover solutions for themselves.

Receiving Feedback as a Leader

Leaders often receive less feedback than anyone else — and that’s dangerous.

When people hesitate to challenge you, blind spots grow.

So flip the dynamic. Ask for feedback early and often.
Show curiosity, not defensiveness.

  1. Be Grateful, Not Guarded
    When feedback stings, resist the urge to react. Thank the person for their honesty — it builds psychological safety.
  2. Be Curious and Reflective
    Ask open-ended questions. What made you see it that way? How can I improve next time?
  3. Act on It
    Feedback without follow-up destroys trust. Show people their input matters by taking visible action.
Tools to Strengthen a Feedback Culture

360-Degree Reviews
Gain insight from peers, employees, and clients.
This broad perspective helps leaders see how their behavior impacts others — a mirror no title can provide.

Peer-to-Peer Roundtables

Roundtables bring leaders together to share feedback, exchange ideas, and challenge assumptions in a safe, unbiased environment.
They’re one of the best ways to gain perspective and fuel innovation.

At Strategy & Execution, we’ve seen this in action through our Executive Roundtables — where leaders find clarity and confidence through shared reflection.

Final Thought

Feedback isn’t criticism.
It’s collaboration.

When you give it with empathy and receive it with humility, you create a culture where people feel safe to grow — and where fresh ideas thrive.

As a leader, your challenge isn’t to control feedback.
It’s to create an environment where it flows freely — up, down, and across.

Want to build a feedback culture that fuels innovation and trust?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

To Scale Up your business! Take our Scaling Up/Four Decisions Needs Assessment to discover how your business measures against other Scaled Up companies. We’ll contact you.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want to build a feedback culture that fuels innovation and trust?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

 

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops