The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback
In this transformative episode, John and Tony explore one of the most essential yet misunderstood elements of growth and communication—feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a first-time manager, or simply navigating meaningful relationships, mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback can shape your effectiveness and authenticity.
Drawing on the research of Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen (Thanks for the Feedback), the conversation breaks down the three types of feedback—evaluation, coaching, and appreciation—and why clarity, presence, and empathy matter more than formulas. You’ll learn how feedback is always happening, and how being intentional can deepen trust, enhance team performance, and improve self-awareness.
More importantly, this episode goes beyond giving feedback. You’ll discover how to receive feedback skillfully, overcome emotional triggers, and find the gold even in hard-to-hear observations. From performance reviews to personal relationships, John and Tony explore how feedback can build connection when offered and received with intention and care.
Whether you’re delivering a tough truth or unpacking critical input, this episode offers actionable frameworks, real-life stories, and mindset shifts that will help you lead—and live—more consciously.
Key Themes:
Why feedback matters across all levels of leadership and life
The 3 types of feedback: evaluation, coaching, and appreciation
How to give feedback without labels—and why labels limit growth
The “feedback equation”: data → interpretation → label
Receiving feedback well: truth, identity, and relationship triggers
Practicing empathy and intention in difficult conversations
How vulnerability and authenticity create safer feedback environments
The danger of only giving feedback once a year
Why self-reflection is essential to the feedback loop
Using feedback to build trust, connection, and resilience
What we discussed:
2:39 Importance of acknowledging positives
4:18 Types of feedback
11:43 How to receive feedback effectively
13:41 Feedback triggers and identity crises
18:33 Practice delivering feedback with empathy
21:12 Feedback equation
29:33 Feedback and self-awareness
31:31 Authenticity in feedback conversations
35:31 Seeking the truth within ourselves
Other ways to connect:
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