Handle negative feedback like a leader, not a manager

June 9, 2025

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...

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The Thought

Did you know... “Leaders who embrace feedback see 22% higher employee satisfaction and 30% higher performance” (source: Gallup). Feedback is an essential tool for growth and development. Leaders who take feedback to heart and lead by example can build trust, improve performance, and create a culture of continuous improvement.

Quote:
"The only feedback that matters is the feedback that leads to action." – Ed. Mylett

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The Tip

Remember to… Respond with ownership, not ego. Great leaders see feedback not as a personal attack but as an opportunity to grow. When receiving negative feedback, take a step back and resist the urge to defend yourself. Instead, focus on how you can use this feedback to improve your approach.

Acknowledge the Feedback: Show gratitude for the honesty and time spent providing the feedback.
Ask Questions for Clarity: Rather than reacting defensively, ask questions like, "Can you share a specific example of this?" or "What do you think would have worked better?" This shows that you’re actively listening and open to understanding their perspective.
Take Responsibility: If the feedback is valid, take ownership of the areas that need improvement. For example, say, “Thank you for sharing this with me. I’ll reflect on it and work on improving.”
Focus on the Future: End the conversation by focusing on how to move forward. Ask, "How can I ensure this doesn’t happen again?" or “What steps should I take to improve in this area?” This shifts the conversation from blame to growth.

By using this method, you show that you value feedback as a way to build better relationships, improve team performance, and set the example for your team.

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The Tool

Short Video: Watch this video on how to handle negative feedback like a leader, not a manager.
In this video, you’ll learn how to empower your team through active listening, taking ownership of the feedback, and using it to drive positive change.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

Watch the video (and read the popular post) on LinkedIn

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Leadership Question of the week…

Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package). Don’t have these? Get instant access here.

❓What’s one outdated process or habit we should rethink or eliminate?
❓How would changing it help us level up?
❓What’s the first step?

Activity of the week…

Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.

Watch the activity description of the “FAIL FORWARD”

Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.

Spark dialogue with your team.

Ignite engagement.

These activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!

-> Digital download: Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.

Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again!

-> Want the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!

-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.

COMING SOON: Our People Builder platform where you can create customized 1:1s and team meeting agendas, along with track the growth and development of your people all in one place. You can even import any leadership questions or team activities you’ve purchased so you can mix and match and customize your own 1:1s and team meetings. Reply PEOPLE BUILDER if you’d like to be part of our FREE pilot group. We are looking for 10 leaders to participate.

Thank you for being a leader out there!

-Dwight

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