The Most Common Feedback Mistake? Lack of Guidance Feedback

As a leader, you may sometimes worry about whether you are saying the right thing in your feedback conversations. Yet the bigger issue is often not saying too much. It might be stopping too soon.

In the March 3, 2026 Harvard Business Review article “When Feedback Crosses the Line,” Bin Zhao, Rebecca L. Dunkailo, Judith Clair and Ryan L. Boyd reported findings from an online survey of 402 full-time U.S. employees. 81% said they had experienced destructive criticism, and 78% said the most common harmful form was feedback with no corrective guidance. People were told what was wrong, but not what to do next.

That matters because Evaluation feedback without Guidance can limit learning.

This is exactly why the Feedback Fitness Framework is so useful for leaders. Useful Guideance feedback helps people grow. It does not leave them wondering what good looks like now. The framework gives leaders a structure: Warm Up, Work Out, and Cool Down. In the Workout (the part where you actually offer feedback), leaders can be deliberate about whether they are offering Acknowledgement, Evaluation, or Guidance feedback.

Have you ever offered feedback like this?

“That report wasn’t strong enough.”

It may be honest, but it is incomplete.

A Feedback Fit leader goes further:

“The Jones report is very clear in parts, and the recommendations need more evidence. For the next version, add two data points and one client example so your argument is stronger.”

When you skip Guidance feedback, people may feel judged rather than supported. The next time you notice a gap, do not stop at naming it. Ask yourself:

What does this person need from me so they can act on this?
What is the next clear step?

You can become Feedback Fit. And when you do, your team is far more likely to experience feedback as growth, not guesswork.

Research source: Bin Zhao, Rebecca L. Dunkailo, Judith Clair and Ryan L. Boyd, “When Feedback Crosses the Line,” Harvard Business Review, March 3, 2026.

If you’re ready to become Feedback Fit, Book a 30-minute complimentary discussion with Sue and discover how to create a feedback-rich culture that keeps your best people growing and thriving.

P.S. Forward this to a leader who could benefit from this weekly update. It’s an easy way to support their leadership growth and help more teams become Feedback Fit.