Today I want to talk about the value of feedback—both in giving it and receiving it.
In a recent coaching session, a client shared a story from her childhood. She used to work in her father’s shop, and one day she went out of her way to help a customer. The customer thanked her, but she just shrugged it off and didn’t say anything.
Her dad immediately stepped in, thanked the customer himself, and then pulled her aside. He said:
“When somebody gives you a compliment, always thank them. And when someone gives you constructive feedback… thank them twice.”
I just love that. So simple. So powerful.
- Own Your Brilliance
How many of us struggle to accept a compliment? We brush it off with, “Just doing my job,” or “It was nothing.” But that habit chips away at our confidence, and at the message we send to our teams and families.
If you can’t own your brilliance, how can you expect others to?
Your leadership journey depends on your ability to recognize and receive positive feedback. Because your people don’t do what you say—they do what you do.
- Thank Them Twice for Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback is gold. It’s how we grow. It reveals blind spots. It often points out strengths we didn’t believe we had. And sure, it can sting—but those tough conversations often become turning points.
Think back- Have you ever received hard-to-hear feedback that ultimately helped you level up?
If so, consider this: the person who gave it to you cared enough to be honest. That deserves gratitude.
So when you get constructive feedback—thank them twice.
Action Steps: Turning Feedback into Fuel
Here are a few small but powerful shifts you can make right away:
- Practice Accepting Compliments
The next time someone gives you positive feedback, resist the urge to downplay it. Simply say, “Thank you, that means a lot.” - Reflect on Past Feedback
Identify one piece of constructive feedback that helped you grow. Reach out and thank that person—yes, even if it’s years later. - Model it for Others
When someone on your team does something well, call it out. Be specific. And when you offer constructive feedback, do it with care and clarity. - Build a Feedback Culture
Ask your team:
“What’s one thing I could do better?”
“What’s something you appreciate about how we work together?”
Normalize the exchange. Celebrate it.
- Remember the Rule
- Compliment? Say thanks.
- Constructive feedback? Say thanks twice.
Here’s to you and your continued growth—One quarter turn at a time.
Quotes about feedback
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” — Ken Blanchard
“Average players want to be left alone. Good players want to be coached. Great players want to be told the truth.”— Doc Rivers
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”— Bill Gates
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