Embracing Feedback: A Journey of Renewal in Leadership

The most brutal feedback I get? It's from my kids.

Sometimes, the most brutal feedback I ever receive isn't from colleagues or staff; it's from my kids. They don't hold back. Here are a few gems:

• "Why is your hair SO grey?"

• "You have lines on your head!"

• "Nanny's macaroni doesn't taste like this!" (pulls face)

  
  

It's honest. It's exhausting. Unlike feedback from a staff workshop, this feedback is deeply personal 😂.

Yet, this is precisely why we should regularly seek feedback. Whether it comes from a brutally honest nine-year-old or a thoughtful colleague, it teaches us something vital.

The Difference in Feedback

In professional settings, we hope feedback is delivered thoughtfully—a nudge rather than a smack in the face. This approach allows us to learn and grow without feeling blindsided. Colleagues (hopefully!) have learned to deliver hard truths with a bit more finesse. Both types of feedback can sting, but that discomfort often signals there's something to learn—whether that's about our leadership style or our choice of macaroni recipe.

This realisation has shaped how I think about my own professional growth.

My Journey of Renewal

And that's exactly where I am now. I'm going to use my thoughts on Renewal in my own growth as I transition into the next step of my career as a leadership coach. I plan to reflect on my experiences, the lessons I've learned, and ask (and listen to) the hard questions. I want to apply these insights in my coaching practice.

Sharing this journey publicly is part of my own Renewal. It serves as a reminder that reflection isn't just for schools; it's for all of us in leadership.

Embedding Lessons in Coaching

Going forward, I am committed to embedding these lessons in my coaching practice and in my own leadership. Please hold me to account!

Normalise Discomfort

Accept that feeling defensive or anxious is natural. Label it, sit with it, and don't let it stop you from hearing what's real.

Separate Intent from Impact

Feedback isn't about judging you; it's about how your work lands for others. This perspective makes criticism a tool, not a verdict. (I will have to work harder at this one, I think!)

Use Structured Reflection

Ask targeted questions like, "What's working? What's not? Why are we still doing it?" This frames feedback as a joint exploration, not a personal attack.

Model Curiosity Over Defensiveness

If you respond with genuine curiosity and gratitude, staff or clients will feel safe giving honest feedback in the future.

The Importance of Intentional Renewal

Closing question for reflection: What might you do next to make Renewal intentional in your team?

Interested in exploring this further? I'd love to hear about your context and what might help.

Remember, embracing feedback is not just a professional skill; it's a personal journey. It’s about growth, understanding, and leading with clarity and purpose.