How are you convinced? If you are convinced by numbers, and you’re someone who finds a good stat hard to resist—this one’s for you. 

Here are some powerful insights from the latest research by Zenger & Folkman that reveal how feedback habits are shaping leadership and team performance across the globe:

What the numbers say:

• Leaders who actively ask for feedback are rated as more effective.

• The most feedback-seeking group? Those aged 25–35.

• The group least likely to seek feedback? 61+.

• And across all age, the older we get, the less we ask for feedback.

When was the last time you actively sought feedback?

In a recent 2025 global survey of over 14,000 leaders, they found:

• 36% of leaders prefer to avoid positive feedback.

• 62% have a strong preference for offering what the researchers term corrective feedback. (In the Feedback Fitness Framework, we describe corrective feedback as ‘Guidance Feedback’).

In what way is this important for you as a Leader?

Feedback-seeking is a skill. One that signals confidence, humility, and a commitment to growth. Leaders who model this skill set the tone for their entire team.