What Leaders can Learn about Feedback from the World of Sport

Lessons from sport to sharpen your leadership

I hope your January is off to a focused and fulfilling start. With so much exciting sport happening right now, I wanted to share a fascinating insight I came across—one that connects elite performance with something close to my heart: feedback.

As someone who coaches high-performing athletes, I was captivated by this new research exploring how feedback fuels performance in professional sport—specifically in diving and ski jumping. Two arenas where feedback is immediate, visible, and high-stakes.

Researchers found this insight also applies to leaders.

What This Study Tells Us About Workplace Feedback

If you're already Feedback Fit, you’ll know we don’t label feedback as positive or negative. Here’s why.

We focus on whether it's useful. But to keep aligned with the language used in the study, let’s explore their findings and translate them into something practical for your leadership.

The Power of What The Researchers Call  ‘Positive Feedback’

(We call it Acknowledgement Feedback)

1. It lifts performance – Consistently.
   

2. It works for everyone – Across experience levels, genders, and cultures.
   

3. It doesn’t wear out – When part of your rhythm, it keeps delivering.
   

4. It matters more when it’s relevant – Close the gap between effort and feedback.

And What About ‘Negative Feedback’?

(That’s what we call Evaluation Feedback – especially when expectations aren’t met)

The researchers found ‘negative’ feedback rarely improves performance—except with highly experienced individuals, who can use it to fine-tune their strengths. For most of your team? It just doesn’t help them grow.

The Leadership Takeaway

In sport—and at work—Acknowledgement feedback isn’t a ‘nice to have.’ It’s essential. It builds confidence, trust, and focus. It turns effort into growth. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have for creating high-performing, psychologically safe teams.

One leader recently shared what happened when she introduced a new rhythm of Acknowledgement Feedback in her team meetings:

‘The energy shifted. People leaned in, ideas flowed, and performance started to lift.’

Ready to build a Feedback Fit culture in your organisation in 2026?

Explore how our programs can support you here: 👉 www.sue-anderson.com.au