Still Putting Off That Hard Conversation?
Let’s be honest… giving tough feedback sucks.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward.
And for a lot of leaders, it’s the thing that just keeps getting pushed to next week.
Here’s the deal: the longer you wait, the harder it gets — and the less effective it becomes.
Why We Avoid It
Most leaders don’t avoid feedback because they don’t care.
They avoid it because they do care.
They don’t want to hurt feelings, damage trust, or create tension on the team.
So they soften the message, skip the conversation, or hope things just… get better?
Things rarely get better on their own though.
A 10-Second Phrase That Changes Everything
Here’s one simple way to make those hard conversations easier — for you and for them.
Say this:
“I care about you as a person. I care about your success.
And because I care about your success, I have something I need to share with you.”
You, of course, then have to follow it up with thoughtful feedback — but it works wonders as your opener.
It clarifies your intent, sets a caring tone, and reminds everyone that you’re not sharing feedback because you caught them doing something wrong. You’re doing this to help them get better.
Why It Works
This phrase does two powerful things:
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It lowers defensiveness. People hear that your goal is to help, not criticize.
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It grounds you as a leader. You’re reminding yourself that you’re not trying to be “the bad guy” — you’re trying to help someone grow.
The Goal of Feedback
The goal of feedback isn’t to punish.
It’s to perform better.
No one comes to work hoping they suck.
No one’s trying to disappoint you on purpose. (Usually )
So when something’s not working, the kindest thing you can do — for them and for your team — is to talk about it early, clearly, and with care.
Start with this phrase, and see how the conversation changes.
Watch the 2-minute Locker Room Chat for the full breakdown 🙂
#Leadership #Feedback #HighPerformingTeams #LockerRoomChat #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #Communication
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