The gift of honest feedback.

Sometimes not easy to give. Sometimes not easy to hear.

But a non-negotiable for true success.

No one is 100% perfect, and there is always room for improvement.

We’re in an era where we’re becoming increasingly self-aware of doing ‘the work’, becoming that ‘1% better’ – I’m sure most reading this have a line-up of podcasts or books to support us through this journey.

However, sometimes, we need the reflection of others. As humans, we know our intentions, but those who interact with us see how this actually comes to fruition in real time.

I hope we all value those close to us who hold up a mirror when we really need it.

It’s similar in a professional setting. I’ve had countless conversations with business owners/leaders/managers/friends regarding performance issues/improvements they’d like to see within their teams.

Some of these people will actively seek to understand the issues and then support their employees/team members to achieve a positive outcome.

Others will simply vent and avoid the thing they find uncomfortable – giving feedback.

This is both a disservice to themselves and the employee.

Feedback doesn’t have to sting or be confrontational. There are ways of delivering feedback with kindness, ways to reframe it so the person knows that this is to set them up for success.

If you’re dealing with someone who is ‘greener’ in their career, coaching isn’t optional – it’s essential. Have that conversation – people don’t know what they don’t know.

Of course, there are some traits that you can’t teach (drive, ambition etc), but if you give a little, you might be surprised about what you get in return.