Feedback. Just the word alone can make many people feel uneasy. For some, it brings to mind awkward conversations, tense meetings, or even conflict. Yet feedback, when given the right way, is one of the most powerful tools we have for growth—both for ourselves and for those we lead.
Why Feedback Matters
At its core, feedback is about helping people see where they are doing well and where they can improve. Done consistently, it can:
Reinforce positive behavior. People know what’s working and are encouraged to keep doing it.
Correct mistakes early. Issues don’t snowball because they’re addressed before they grow too big.
Strengthen relationships. When people feel you care enough to speak up, trust deepens.
Motivate higher performance. Recognition and constructive guidance inspire people to aim higher.
The Bible reminds us that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). In other words, God intends for us to grow through honest and loving input from others. Feedback is one of the ways He shapes us to become more effective in our calling.
When to Give Feedback
Feedback is most effective when it’s timely and relevant. Here are some good moments to speak up:
To recognize success. Celebrate wins—big or small—so people know their efforts matter.
When change is possible. If someone can improve a skill or behavior right away, give them the insight they need.
When behavior impacts others. If actions are affecting colleagues, the team, or the organization, feedback is necessary.
When people expect it. After a presentation, project, or review, people are often ready to hear feedback.
But there are also times when feedback can backfire. Avoid giving feedback if emotions are high, if you don’t yet have the full story, or if what you want to say is more about your personal preference than the person’s performance.
As Paul writes, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth and love must always go together. If truth is missing, feedback becomes flattery. If love is missing, feedback feels harsh. But together, they create growth.
The Bottom Line
Feedback isn’t about fault-finding; it’s about guiding. Hebrews 10:24 urges us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” That’s what effective feedback is—helping others move forward in love, good works, and Christlike maturity.
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll look at how to give feedback effectively—so it encourages learning, inspires confidence, and builds a stronger culture of trust.