In the journey of leadership, growth is constant and feedback is invaluable. Leaders who take the time to listen and adapt to their team's needs are often the ones who build high-performing, motivated, and loyal teams. Here are 18 practical leadership feedbacks from supervisees that current and future leaders can learn from:
- Freedom for Team to Speak Up: Great leaders create an environment where their team feels free to express ideas, concerns, and thoughts without fear of judgment. Openness fosters innovation and trust.
- Avoid Pressure – Empower the Team: Leadership is not about pushing team members to the edge; it's about empowering them to perform at their best without unnecessary stress. Pressure should not be the norm; guidance and support should be.
- Understand Team Conditions and Well-being: A leader’s role is not just to drive performance but to understand the well-being of their team. Check in with them, understand their personal and professional challenges, and offer support where needed.
- Don’t Blame, Guide to Improvement: Effective leaders avoid blaming their teams when things go wrong. Instead, they focus on solutions, offering constructive feedback and guidance to improve future performance.
- Inspire Continuous Learning with Goals: Leaders who inspire their teams to set and achieve personal and professional goals are the ones who drive growth. Encouragement to learn should be a continuous process, aligned with clear objectives.
- Allow Team Members to Share Ideas: A good leader listens actively and encourages team members to share ideas. This helps create a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives thrive.
- Provide Regular Updates and Alignment: Teams perform best when they are kept in the loop. Regular updates on company direction, team objectives, and expectations keep everyone aligned and focused on shared goals.
- Guide, Don’t Micromanage: Micromanagement stifles creativity and growth. Instead, guide your team by demonstrating how tasks should be done and allowing them to own the process. This builds confidence and competence.
- Protect Your Team: A leader’s responsibility is to protect the team. Whether it's shielding them from unnecessary stress or advocating for their needs, a strong leader has their team’s back at all times.
- Value Your Team Members: Every team member should feel valued. Recognize their contributions, celebrate achievements, and show appreciation regularly. A valued employee is a motivated employee.
- Be Responsive and Supportive: Leaders who are available and responsive to their team's needs build trust. Whether solving problems, answering questions, or providing guidance, responsiveness is a key trait of an effective leader.
- Solve Problems as a Team: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about bringing the team together to solve problems collaboratively. Engaging your team in problem-solving empowers them and strengthens teamwork.
- Promote Continuous Learning: A leader’s responsibility is to help the team grow. Encourage a culture of continuous learning, offering resources, training, and opportunities for development.
- Be Open to Sharing Knowledge: Great leaders share their knowledge and experience generously. Don’t be afraid to share what you know, especially if it helps others grow and succeed.
- Consistent Feedback for Performance Reviews: Performance reviews should be a dialogue, not a one-way assessment. Regular feedback throughout the year ensures that reviews are constructive and focused on improvement rather than surprises.
- Well-Planned Performance Reviews: A great leader prepares for performance reviews well in advance. This includes gathering feedback from multiple sources and setting clear expectations for the review process.
- Efficient Management of Events and Projects: Managing events and projects requires foresight and planning. Leaders should ensure that tasks are well-coordinated, deadlines are met, and teams are supported throughout the process.
- Delegate Effectively Based on Team Abilities: Effective delegation is not just about distributing tasks; it’s about recognizing your team’s strengths and matching tasks to their skills. This builds trust and fosters growth.
Leadership is Learnable, and Growth is Ongoing
Good leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can learn and continuously improve. Becoming a great leader takes time, practice, and a willingness to learn from feedback. It’s never too late to develop the qualities that make leaders respected, trusted, and wanted to work with.
Whether you are currently in a leadership position or aspire to be, remember that each interaction with your team is an opportunity to grow and inspire. With patience, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous improvement, anyone can cultivate the skills to lead effectively.
