How can past feedback help you grow today?

Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring others, or simply aiming to become a more effective communicator, your relationship with feedback plays a key role in your growth. And when it comes to improving how you give and receive feedback, one of the most powerful tools you already have is your own history.

Tap Into the Feedback That Shaped You

Think back to a moment when you were given feedback that really hit hard. Maybe it came from a teacher, a coach, a parent, or a boss. At the time, it might’ve felt harsh or even personal. But later—after the sting wore off—you realized it was exactly what you needed to hear.

That kind of feedback is memorable for a reason. It called out something important. It helped you see a blind spot or change a behavior. And in many cases, it marked a turning point in your growth as a person or a professional.

Those past moments? They’re gold. Because when you revisit them, you can start to shift your mindset about feedback today.

Reframe Feedback as a Gift, Not a Threat

When you recall how past feedback helped you—even if it was difficult in the moment—it gets easier to accept feedback in your current role with less resistance. It helps you avoid taking it personally, and instead see it as an invitation to improve.

That same memory can also fuel your courage to give meaningful feedback to others. Not sugar-coated fluff, but the kind of honest input that helps someone get better.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I had known that sooner,” then you know exactly why timely, direct feedback matters. You’ve lived the value of it. Now you have the opportunity to pass that forward.

Lead by Example: Give What You Once Needed

Most people avoid giving real feedback because they’re afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or damaging a relationship. But the truth is, holding back can do more harm than good—especially when you know something that could help someone grow.

Use your own experiences to lead with empathy and clarity. You know what it’s like to hear the hard truth. Now you can deliver it in a way that’s constructive and empowering.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of feedback helped me most?

• How can I offer that same kind of clarity to someone else?

• Where might I be resisting feedback that I actually need?

These are the questions that shift the way you engage with others—and with your own development.

Growth Starts With Self-Awareness

Becoming better at giving and receiving feedback isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And the starting point is always self-awareness. Reflecting on the moments that shaped you helps you create a more open, growth-oriented mindset.

From there, you become more coachable, more trustworthy, and more effective in your leadership. And you make it safer for others to grow around you.

Ready to Take It Further?

If you’re looking to deepen your feedback culture or strengthen your team’s communication, consider exploring coaching or assessments designed to bring more self-awareness and emotional intelligence into your workplace.

Until next time, keep learning and growing.