How to Handle Feedback: Five Common Responses All Leaders Can Expect

As a Leader you might have observed many different responses to feedback you have offered. It’s important you are prepared and feel confident to respond to all of these.

Here are five common responses:

1. Avoidance

The person is not interested in your feedback:

They refuse to speak with you or walk away.
They change the subject.
They speak over you, or cut you off.

2. Anger

The person response emotionally to your feedback:

They become angry or aggressive.
They start trying to argue with you, and unfairly lay blame on others.
They ask you no questions and seek no clarification from you.

3. Acceptance

The person is open to your feedback and takes it on board:

They acknowledge the relevant behaviour / task /skill and own it.
They remain in a neutral emotional state.
They ask limited questions regarding the feedback.

4. Asking

The person is interested and wants to know more:

They appreciate the feedback and ask clarification questions.
They ask for more details and about the impact of their performance, decisions, behaviour etc.
They ask for information to improve their performance.

5. Actioning

The person plans, implements and reviews the feedback offered to them:

They make plans to implement the feedback and follow through.
They check back in and let you know their progress.
They ask for help if there are barriers to implementation.