From Amanda’s Desk

Last week, I was working with an incredibly bright, doctorate-level client, someone who’s clearly no stranger to complex thinking or hard work. And yet… they were struggling with one thing that should be basic leadership 101: giving effective feedback.

Now, there was definitely room to grow in how they were delivering it.

But as we dug deeper, the real issue wasn’t them, it was the system.

They were working inside a company that wanted a culture of feedback, but wasn’t setting new hires up to win.

No tools, no modelling, no safety. It’s like asking someone to build Ikea furniture with no instructions and missing screws.

Now, we weren’t quite at the Billy Madison level of “Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it”… but let’s just say it was time for a feedback makeover.

Finally! How had I not seen that sooner?

🎯 Why Smart People Struggle With Feedback

Giving good feedback isn’t about IQ. It’s about safety, clarity, and practice.

We assume people "should just know how", but it’s a skill. And like any skill, it needs scaffolding.

So if your culture says "we value feedback", but no one's giving or receiving it effectively, the issue isn’t individuals. It’s your systems.

Here’s the three-part playbook I gave my client:

1. Ask for feedback first - You’ll never create psychological safety if you don’t show vulnerability yourself.

2. Use a model - Try 2x wins, 2x opportunities. Simple, effective, and balanced.

3. Position everything as opportunity - Not as punishment.

Smart people don’t fail at feedback because they don’t care.

They fail because we don’t train them well enough.

🎥 VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Missed our recent session on why your team might be struggling to step up?

👉 The Missing Link in Onboarding Success

💡 Mini Takeaway

Feedback isn’t a personality trait; it’s a teachable system.

🎁 Special Opportunity: Be Featured in a Book!

One of our good friends and rockstar CEX consultants, Jason S. Bradshaw, is opening the doors to something big, a chance to be featured in his next book 100 Days to Better CEX.

💥 Apply here if you want to be a published author. This is a rare chance to get your story out there and your name in print!

Have an epic week out there and remember to keep dreaming and doing!

Amanda 🦄✨

Amanda Rosazza

Chief Imagination Officer

Imagine8 Consulting

At Imagine8, we help businesses transform through learning experiences that actually stick (and don’t bore everyone to tears). Whether you’re mastering your mission or planning your next adventure, we’re here to turn your business challenges into extraordinary opportunities.

180+ organisations and 3,500+ individuals transformed (and counting!)

📅 Ready to explore what’s possible?

Book a Curiosity Call: calendly.com/amandarosazza/letschat