Self-Awareness
8 min read
The Feedback You Are Not Hearing
Why senior leaders can become insulated from useful feedback — and how to create better channels for it.
The more senior you become, the less unfiltered feedback you are likely to receive. People soften their observations, choose their timing carefully and sometimes say nothing at all. The silence can feel like agreement.
Why this matters
Without honest input, small habits grow into patterns that shape the culture around you. A raised eyebrow in meetings, a late reply or a quick dismissal of an idea can carry far more weight than you intend.
A more useful way to approach it
Make feedback specific, regular and safe to give. Ask about one behaviour at a time, thank people for what they share and show that it changes something. Over time, people will tell you more because they can see it matters.
Three actions to try
Ask two colleagues what you could do more or less of in meetings.
Respond with curiosity, not explanation, when you hear something difficult.
Share one change you have made as a result within a month.
Closing thought
Feedback is not a verdict on your leadership. It is information about the experience others have of it. Who around you sees something you do not, and have you asked them recently?
Written by
CEOVANTA Editorial Team
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