197. Sherpa Code Principle 8: Feedback Is a Gift — And a Test

Your people are always learning whether it is safe—or worth it—to tell you the truth.In Principle #8 of the Sherpa Code series, Feedback Is a Gift — And a Test, Mark Tilsher tackles the uncomfortable side of feedback: leaders often say they want it while unknowingly training people to stop giving it.Every time someone brings you difficult feedback, they spend relational capital. What happens next matters. Defend yourself. Justify your behavior. Return fire. Rush to solve the problem. Each response can teach the same lesson: Don't do that again.This episode explores four common ways good leaders stifle feedback, why approachability and engagement matter to performance, and one simple question you can use this week to find out what your team may not be telling you.The goal isn't merely to get honest feedback.It's to respond in a way that maximizes the potential they'll give it to you again.