How to give feedback like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
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The Thought
Most managers think feedback is about fixing people.
Leaders know it’s about developing them.
Did you know...
According to research by Zenger & Folkman, employees who receive constructive, respectful feedback are 3.6x more engaged and 3.2x more likely to put in discretionary effort.
But here’s the problem—most feedback fails because it’s personal, emotional, or vague. It leaves people defensive instead of driven.
The best leaders master the art of giving feedback that builds confidence, not resistance. They replace judgment with clarity, frustration with belief, and blame with collaboration.
Quote:
“Honest feedback is a mirror, not a weapon. It reflects potential, not punishment.” — Unknown
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The Tip
Leaders don’t just give feedback—they shape it into something that moves people forward. Here’s how:
Remember to…
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Focus on the work, not the worth.
When feedback gets personal, improvement stops. The goal is to clarify actions and outcomes, not attack identity.
Instead of saying, “You’re careless,” say, “The last two reports were missing the outline, which frustrated the client. Let’s make sure we include it next time.”
This shifts the tone from criticism to coaching. -
Balance directness with belief.
Candor without care is cruelty—but care without candor is useless.
The best leaders pair truth with trust. They say, “This needs to improve, and I know you can do it.”
When people feel believed in, they stop defending—and start growing. -
Co-create the path forward.
Don’t end with “fix this.” End with “let’s fix this together.”
Ask questions like:
→ “What would a great version of this look like?”
→ “What’s one step you can take this week?”
→ “How can I support you?”
This turns feedback into a shared mission, not a power move.
The difference between a manager and a leader isn’t the title—it’s the tone.
A manager evaluates.
A leader elevates.
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The Tool
Watch: How to Give Feedback Like a Leader, Not a Manager (~3 mins)
See how to use the SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) framework to deliver feedback that’s clear, calm, and constructive.
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram
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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 does owning your work look like to you?
❓How do you take responsibility for outcomes, both good and bad?
❓How can we encourage each other to take more ownership?
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.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Infographic of the week…
Click here to see the LinkedIn post on the What Not to Say in High-Pressure Moments (and what great leaders say instead). My hope is to provide you a ton of value in several different methods.
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!
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Thank you for leading like a coach out there!
-Dwight
P.S. I go LIVE on TikTok for an hour 9am PST/12pm EST every weekday (Monday-Friday) for our Leadership Round Table. I answer questions and unpack common scenarios and situations live! We have a growing community and would love to have you!!
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