Feedback Part 2 – Receiving Feedback: How to Grow from Criticism

Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund

Episode: 08

Runtime: Approximately 35 minutes

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

🎙 Episode Description:

In part two of our series on feedback, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund flip the script—from giving feedback to receiving it.

Let’s be honest: even when feedback is delivered well, it can still sting. It’s easy to get defensive, dismiss it, or feel personally attacked. But how we receive feedback is just as important—maybe even more important—than how it’s given.

In this episode, Ed and Andy break down how to build a growth mindset around feedback, manage emotional reactions, and use even imperfect feedback to fuel personal and professional development.

They explore:

* Why receiving feedback well is harder than it sounds

* How to shift from defensiveness to curiosity

* Different types of feedback (appreciation, coaching, evaluation) and how to handle them

* Common emotional triggers and how to manage them

* A practical, step-by-step strategy for receiving feedback in the moment

* Tips for building your "feedback muscle" over time

If you want to grow faster, build better relationships, and become a stronger leader, mastering the art of receiving feedback is a critical skill—and it’s something you can get better at.

👉 Missed Part 1 about Giving Feedback? Be sure to check out Episode 07 for the full conversation.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

⏳ [01:07] – Instant reactions to hearing “Can I give you some feedback?”

⏳ [02:28] – Shifting your mindset: feedback as opportunity, not attack

⏳ [03:21] – The “10% truth” method and adopting curiosity over defensiveness

⏳ [04:52] – Managing emotional reactions in the moment

⏳ [05:12] – Understanding types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, evaluation

⏳ [07:44] – Common emotional triggers: truth, relationship, and identity triggers

⏳ [10:12] – Pausing before responding—and why it’s so powerful

⏳ [12:25] – Practical steps to receive feedback: space, listen, acknowledge, clarify, reflect

⏳ [15:42] – Using sensations (anxiety, stress) as signals to pivot into feedback mode

⏳ [20:55] – How to decide what feedback to act on

⏳ [21:07] – Building your feedback muscle: asking, reflecting, practicing

⏳ [26:09] – Following up after feedback to strengthen trust and learning

⏳ [28:14] – Why adopting a beginner’s mindset makes you a better feedback receiver

Visit leadershipexploredpod.com for full show notes, resources, and more ways to take your leadership to the next level.

📌 New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Be sure to follow Leadership Explored wherever you get your podcasts!

💬 Got a topic you’d love us to explore? Email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com

Funk Game Loop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Feedback Part 1 - Giving Feedback: How to Do It Right

Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund Episode: 07 Runtime: Approximately 40 minutes Release Date: June 17, 2025 Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

🎙 Episode Description:

In part one of this two-part series on feedback, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund dive deep into what it takes to give effective feedback—the kind that’s actually useful, timely, and leads to growth.

Too often, feedback is vague, late, or sugarcoated to the point of being meaningless. But when done right, it becomes one of the most powerful leadership tools available. In this episode, Ed and Andy explore how to deliver feedback that builds trust, drives performance, and contributes to a healthy workplace culture.

They break down:

* What makes feedback effective (and what doesn’t)

* The difference between commentary, judgment, and real feedback

* Why timing and specificity matter more than perfection

* Actionable frameworks for giving feedback clearly and respectfully

* The importance of trust, consistency, and setting the tone as a leader

Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode offers concrete strategies and candid stories to help you navigate one of the trickiest parts of leadership with confidence.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where they’ll tackle the equally important (and often overlooked) skill of receiving feedback well.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

⏳ [01:14] – What makes feedback actually helpful: timely, actionable, and focused on improvement ⏳ [03:02] – The importance of forward-looking feedback vs. backward-facing judgment ⏳ [05:25] – Real-life examples of feedback that came too late to be useful ⏳ [07:44] – Why vague or softened feedback undermines growth ⏳ [12:47] – Coaching vs. teaching: finding the balance in giving guidance ⏳ [18:05] – A 4-step best practice for giving effective feedback ⏳ [23:12] – Why observations matter more than assumptions ⏳ [24:59] – Connecting behavior to impact: why context matters ⏳ [29:23] – Building a feedback culture starts with trust ⏳ [33:15] – The power of positive feedback—and why it's essential for trust and motivation ⏳ [37:09] – Avoiding the “compliment sandwich” and giving honest, direct feedback ⏳ [39:14] – What to do when someone isn’t ready to receive feedback ⏳ [40:07] – Final thoughts: giving feedback is a leadership responsibility

Visit leadershipexploredpod.com for full show notes, resources, and more ways to take your leadership to the next level.

📌 New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Be sure to follow Leadership Explored wherever you get your podcasts.

💬 Got a topic you’d love us to explore? Email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com

Funk Game Loop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund

Episode: 06

Runtime: Approximately 30 minutes

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

Episode Description:

In this episode of Leadership Explored, Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund tackle the comparison trap—a leadership challenge that impacts individuals, businesses, and teams alike.

While benchmarking against industry giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon seems like a smart strategy, comparison often does more harm than good. It can lead to unrealistic expectations, misaligned strategies, and a loss of identity.

Ed and Andy discuss:

* Why organizations obsess over chasing the “best”—and why that’s often misguided.

* How comparison can erode confidence and stifle innovation.

* The myth of hiring the best—and why fit, context, and team dynamics matter more than individual prestige.

* Strategies to shift from comparison to meaningful progress that actually benefits your leadership and business.

This episode is packed with real-world insights and practical takeaways to help leaders break free from the comparison trap and focus on what truly works for their teams and organizations.

Episode Highlights:

⏳ [00:52] – Why comparison is wired into human nature but can be a trap.⏳ [05:13] – The dangers of idolizing industry giants like Google and Apple without understanding their context.⏳ [10:27] – Why best practices aren’t always the best for your organization.⏳ [14:12] – The myth of hiring top talent—why elite hires don’t always translate to success.⏳ [19:44] – Team chemistry matters more than rockstar employees.⏳ [23:49] – Shifting from comparison to real improvement—how leaders can focus on solving their actual problems.⏳ [28:01] – Final takeaways: Comparisons should inform, not dictate, your leadership and strategy.

Visit leadershipexploredpod.com for detailed show notes and additional resources.

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💡 Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Send your suggestions to leadershipexplored@gmail.com.

Funk Game Loop Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/