Why Receiving Feedback Is Harder Than It Looks (And How to Get Better at It)
Most leadership conversations focus on how to give feedback.
Few spend time on the other side of the equation—how to receive it.
And yet… that’s where the real growth happens.
In this week’s episode of Leadership Explored, we flip the script. Instead of talking about how to phrase your feedback or deliver it constructively, we dive into something more personal—and often more difficult: what it means to receive feedback well.
Because here’s the truth we’ve both learned (often the hard way):
Even the best-delivered feedback can trigger anxiety, self-doubt, or defensiveness.
Sometimes it’s the message.
Sometimes it’s the delivery.
And sometimes, it’s just us—our stories, insecurities, or emotional triggers getting in the way.
This episode is about recognizing those moments without judging yourself—and turning them into opportunities to grow as a leader and as a human being.
🎙 Episode 8: Receiving Feedback – How to Grow from Criticism
In this episode, we explore:
Why receiving feedback can feel like a threat to your identity
How to manage emotional triggers like defensiveness, shame, or “who are you to tell me that?”
What the “10% truth” mindset looks like in real conversations
A practical, repeatable process for receiving feedback in the moment
How to build your feedback muscle over time—and why it’s a leadership superpower
Why following up after feedback builds trust more than saying “thanks” ever could
We also share stories from our own experiences—moments where feedback landed badly, or stung, or felt unfair… and how we processed it anyway.
🎧 Listen here: www.leadershipexploredpod.com
Key Reflection:
“Receiving feedback isn’t about agreeing with everything.
It’s about being open enough to hear it, reflect on it, and decide what to do with it.”
– Leadership Explored, Episode 8
That’s the skill we’re trying to grow—and help others grow too.
If you’re leading a team, mentoring someone, or trying to get better at what you do, this episode offers both validation and practical tools to help you keep growing—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Let’s explore together:
What’s a piece of feedback that challenged you—and how did it shape who you are today?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com.
Thanks for exploring leadership with us.
New episodes every other Tuesday.
Until next time,
— Leadership Explored
#LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipExplored #FeedbackCulture #LeadershipGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #ModernLeadership #CoachingMindset