How can you stop procrastinating on hard feedback?

Let’s be honest—giving tough feedback isn’t fun. It’s one of those things that gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, even though you know it matters. But procrastinating on hard feedback doesn’t make the situation better. In fact, it often makes things worse.

If you’ve found yourself avoiding a difficult conversation, here’s a clear, practical approach to help you step up with confidence and clarity.

Tap Into Your Feedback Strengths

Before you focus on the other person, start with you.

You have feedback superpowers—qualities that come naturally to you when you communicate. Maybe you’re direct. Maybe you’re encouraging. You might be someone who’s exceptionally clear, or maybe you have a gift for keeping things constructive and positive.

Whatever your strengths are, reconnect with them. Think about how you naturally approach giving feedback when you’re at your best. These are the tools in your toolbox. When you bring your authentic strengths to the table, tough conversations become more grounded and effective.

Remember Why This Feedback Matters

Now shift gears. Ask yourself: Why does this feedback need to be shared?

Sometimes, the avoidance comes from focusing too much on your own discomfort. But leadership is about serving others—and holding back hard truths doesn’t help your team. In fact, withholding feedback can actually stall growth, create confusion, and limit performance.

Walk through the consequences of saying nothing. How might this issue be holding someone back? What ripple effects is it having on the team or the organization? And here’s a powerful reframe—if you were in their shoes, wouldn’t you want someone to help you grow by sharing the truth?

Feedback isn’t just about correction; it’s about care. It’s a form of leadership and support.

Ground Yourself in Clarity and Courage

When you’re clear on your strengths and the why behind your message, the path forward becomes a little easier. The discomfort may still be there, but it won’t lead.

Courageous feedback doesn’t have to be harsh. It needs to be honest. And when you deliver it from a place of alignment—using your strengths and staying focused on helping the other person—it can become one of the most meaningful things you do as a leader.

Your Growth Challenge

If you’ve been putting off a conversation, don’t wait any longer. Take five minutes to reflect:

• What are my feedback superpowers?

• Why does this feedback matter?

• How can I communicate in a way that honors both truth and respect?

Then schedule the conversation. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be real.

And if you want to build deeper confidence in your leadership communication or help your team improve in this area, consider exploring professional coaching or assessments with us.

Until next time, keep learning and growing.