Feedback Is a Gift: Give It. Get It. Grow.

There’s a phrase you’ve probably heard before, “feedback is a gift.” Simple. True. And too often, unopened.

In the rush of work, deadlines, and the delicate dance of team dynamics, we sometimes forget how powerful it is to both give and receive feedback, especially when it’s delivered with intention and received with openness. Whether it’s positive praise or constructive insight, feedback shapes our growth, our relationships, and ultimately, our impact.

The Two Sides of the Gift

Let’s start with a mindset shift: feedback isn’t just about correction, it’s about connection. Positive feedback reinforces what’s working. It fuels confidence, encourages repeat behaviors, and helps people feel seen and valued. It’s easy to give, and even easier to receive.

Constructive feedback, on the other hand, is where real growth lives. It invites us to stretch, adjust, and evolve. It requires courage to give and humility to receive. But when done well, it becomes a bridge to stronger performance and stronger relationships.

Both types are essential. One without the other is incomplete. Too much positivity with no guidance? People plateau. Only constructive feedback with no recognition? People burn out.

Giving It: The Courage to Care

Giving feedback—especially the constructive kind—takes courage. It’s an act of care, not criticism. When we take the time to offer someone a perspective that can help them grow, we’re saying, “I see your potential, and I want to support it.”

The key is intention and delivery. Be specific, be kind, and be timely. The most helpful feedback is anchored in observations, not assumptions. And it’s best served with curiosity. “Can I share an observation?” or “Here’s something I noticed that might help.”

Feedback lands best when it feels like a conversation, not a verdict.

Getting It: The Openness to Learn

Receiving feedback can feel vulnerable. Even praise can be deflected if we’re not used to it. But the more we welcome feedback—really listen, reflect, and apply it—the more we accelerate our own development.

When we ask for feedback, we signal that we’re open. When we receive it well, even if it stings a bit, we show maturity and self-awareness. And when we act on it? That’s when we grow.

Trust Is Built Here

There’s a hidden power in feedback: it builds trust.

Teams that give and receive feedback regularly are more honest, more resilient, and more effective. It creates a culture where people feel safe to speak up, learn, and try again. It signals that we’re in this together: not just to perform, but to improve.

And like any good gift, the more it’s shared, the more valuable it becomes.

A Personal Reflection

One moment stands out for me from years ago, back when I was leading a high-performing team. I was proud of how driven we were, how much we could get done. After one particularly intense stretch, a team member came to me and said gently, but honestly, “We know you care about results, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if you care about us.”

That hit me.

Not because I didn’t care, I absolutely did, but I hadn’t realized how little of that care I was showing. I was so focused on the outcomes that I’d overlooked the experience. That piece of feedback changed everything. I started slowing down, making space for real conversations, checking in not just on the work, but on the people doing it. And the team? We got even stronger.

That moment taught me that feedback isn’t just about performance — it’s about presence. It’s a mirror, and sometimes it reflects something we really need to see.

Your Turn

So, here’s your invitation:

• Think of someone who’s helped you grow with their feedback. Have you thanked them?

• Is there someone on your team or in your circle who could benefit from hearing something you’ve noticed in them?

• And when’s the last time you asked, “What feedback do you have for me?”

Feedback is a gift. Let’s stop leaving it unopened.