The Feedback You Asked For
We’ve all been there.
A leader asks for feedback…
Someone shares an honest perspective…
And suddenly, every comment is met with a rebuttal.
If the decision has already been made, don’t call it feedback.
Call it communication.
As leaders, if we genuinely ask for input, we have to be willing to receive it—even when it’s different from what we expected.
Of course, there may be non-negotiables. That’s okay.
Just communicate those boundaries upfront so everyone understands the rules of engagement.
Otherwise, you risk:
✔️ Losing buy-in from your team.
✔️ Discouraging future participation.
✔️ Leaving people thinking, “This meeting could’ve been an email.”
Before asking for feedback, ask yourself:
• Am I genuinely open to another perspective?
• Will this input influence the outcome?
• Will the team feel engaged and empowered?
If the answer is no, don’t ask.
Respect people’s time and be transparent about the direction.
Great leaders know the difference between seeking input and simply informing the team.
If you’ve already made the decision, don’t ask for feedback. Ask for commitment.
Remember, leadership isn’t about winning every battle—it’s about winning the war.
Comments