The Power of Feedback: How One Insight Can Change Everything
By Naphtali Bryant, M.A.
The first piece of real, honest feedback I received was a wake-up call for my career.
It was early in my journey as a facilitator, and I was leading a development workshop on navigating your career to a room of seasoned leaders. I had only facilitated a few times before, and if I’m honest, I was more focused on keeping the energy up and making a good impression. I’d nailed a joke, tossed out another, and felt a surge of pride when the whole room burst into laughter. The content? Well, that was somewhere in the background, along with the actual developmental needs of the people in the room.
My boss was sitting quietly in the back, observing. After the session, he walked up, looked me in the eyes, and said:
"Facilitation isn’t about you — it’s about them."
I stood there for a second, the adrenaline of my performance fading fast. His words hit me hard, not because he’d said them harshly, but because they were true. I realized my approach was flawed. I had made it all about me — my delivery, my style — and completely missed the point. This wasn’t a performance; it was about serving the people in the room and helping them grow.
That feedback shifted how I viewed my entire career. From that point on, I made it my mission to ensure everything was about “them” — the leaders, learners, and ones who come with a desire to be developed. My job wasn’t to shine. It was to help them find their own light.
That experience was the beginning of my belief in the transformative power of feedback — where it’s not just a critique of performance, but a way to make the person next to you better because you cared about their growth and the success of the whole team.
Feedback: The GPS for growth
Think of feedback as a compass — it guides you in the right direction, allowing you to adjust course and move with purpose. What’s more is that good feedback makes you better. According to Gallup, people are 3.6 times more likely to be motivated to do outstanding work when they’re provided daily feedback. But without frequent insight into our effectiveness, we risk veering off track, unsure of how we’re truly impacting those around us, and the rooms and spaces we inhabit. Here’s why feedback is such a powerful tool for success:
Feedback is support: When someone gives you feedback, they’re handing you the roadmap to get better. Without it, you’re left guessing on where you stand or how to improve. If you’re not getting feedback, you’re not getting support.
Feedback fuels curiosity: It makes you wonder, “What’s next?” When someone gives you insight, it opens up a world of possibilities. Suddenly, you’re thinking about how you can level up and push yourself further.
Feedback is the missing link to greater impact: There are times that that one piece of feedback is the key to unlocking your next breakthrough. It’s that insight that connects all the dots and allows you to drive more meaningful results.
Feedback keeps us grounded: We all have those moments when we think we’ve got it all figured out. Feedback is what brings us back to reality, gently reminding us that there’s always room to grow.
Feedback ignites the desire to improve: At its core, feedback taps into something deeper — our natural drive to grow. When it’s given well, it inspires us to stretch beyond what we thought we were capable of.
How to deliver honest feedback that builds and elevates
Giving feedback is one of the most important jobs of a leader, but doing it in a way that’s both direct and constructive takes some finesse. It’s not just about telling the truth — it’s about doing so in a way that uplifts rather than discourages. Here are a few principles I’ve relied on that can help you give feedback that truly supports growth:
Start with care: People are more open to feedback when they know it’s coming from a place of genuine support. Show that you’re invested in their success.
Be specific and actionable: Vague feedback doesn’t help anyone. Focus on specific behaviors and offer concrete ways to improve. This helps the recipient know exactly what they can work on, instead of wondering if what you shared was actually feedback or not.
Stay future-focused: Feedback should always look forward. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, keep the conversation centered on what the person can do to improve going forward. Think of it like driving a car: Your windshield is bigger than your rearview mirror because there’s more opportunity ahead than behind.
Balance challenge with support: Feedback shouldn’t just point out areas for improvement — it should also highlight strengths and superpowers. Striking that balance helps people see what’s working while understanding where there’s room to grow.
High-performing teams and organizations have mastered this approach to feedback. For me, understanding its importance and how to deliver it well has been a game changer in my career — knowing that feedback isn't given just for the sake of it, but to provide insights that help people elevate their performance and achieve greater impact.
The bottom line
The first real feedback I received changed my career. It acted as a compass that reoriented me toward what truly mattered: focusing on others and their growth. Feedback is the thing that guides us, helps us stay on course, and allows us to make adjustments that lead to greater success. Without it, we’re left to navigate blindly. But with it, we gain the insights we need to unlock our potential and thrive.
Reflection questions
Think back to a time when feedback changed your perspective or trajectory. What did you learn from that experience, and how did it shape your growth?
How are you using feedback in your leadership to elevate those around you? Are you telling the truth in a way that supports and uplifts?
If feedback is a compass, how can you ensure you’re receiving and giving it in a way that helps guide others toward greater impact?
Feedback, when delivered effectively, is one of the most powerful tools for driving performance, growth, and connection. Ask yourself: How are you using it to help your team — and yourself — thrive?