Schedule a Consultation

THIS Leader Podcast   

Episode 54: Feedback is a Love Language

February 17, 2025

In this February episode, I'm making the case that quality two-way feedback conversations are an investment in healthy relationships. In fact, sharing honest and kind feedback is one of the most loving things you can do for someone. I'll share why we avoid these conversations, how staying silent is actually unkind, and I'll share a simple framework that will make feedback feel less scary and more like a routine exchange in the relationships that matter most.

Listen Now
Photo of Claire Laughlin with the words "with Claire Laughlin"

Listen Now

In this episode, I'm sharing why quality feedback is one of the most loving and necessary things you can do to maintain high-quality professional relationships. We'll explore why we avoid these conversations and why writing "meets expectations" on performance reviews while secretly harboring resentment isn't just ineffective—it's dishonest leadership.

I'll walk you through my ICVA framework—Intention, Concern, Vision, Action—a practical approach that makes feedback conversations feel less scary and more like the relationship-building tool they're meant to be. Because when you're invested in someone's growth, feedback isn't criticism. It's hope for a better future, delivered with care.

Mock up of podcast episode on phone with air pods Episode #52 "How Are You Measured?" with Podcast cover art
THIS Leader Podcast
Episode #54: When Feedback is a Love Language
26:03
 

"Staying silent isn't kindness—it's avoidance dressed up as compassion. And dishonesty is never good leadership."

Welcome to Episode 54: When Feedback is a Love Language

In this episode, we explore feedback as one of the most loving things you can do in a professional relationship—and why avoiding hard conversations is actually unkind.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

  • Why We Avoid Feedback: The real reasons we stay silent (and why those reasons are usually about protecting ourselves from discomfort, not protecting the other person)
  • The Cost of Silence: How avoiding feedback leads to resentment, surface-level relationships, and even firing people who never knew they were failing
  • Feedback as Love: Why quality feedback is an investment in relationships and an act of hope for a better future together
  • The iCVA Framework: My four-step approach to make feedback conversations feel less scary—Intention, Concern, Vision, Action
  • Real-World Example: A step-by-step walkthrough of addressing chronic meeting lateness using the iCVA framework
  • When Feedback Goes Sideways: What to do when someone gets defensive, and how to recognize when trust needs to be built first.

Key Frameworks Referenced:

  • Growth Mindset - Carol Dweck's research on believing people can develop, learn, and improve
  • "Clear is Kind" - BrenĂ© Brown's principle that being honest, even when uncomfortable, is the most caring thing we can do
  • Radical Candor - Kim Scott's approach of caring personally while challenging directly
  • Mutual Purpose - From "Crucial Conversations" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler—establishing shared purpose before addressing concerns

 

Your Action Step This Week:

Think about one relationship at work where things could be better. Get clear on your intention, picture the shared vision, write down your concerns using "I" statements, and brainstorm possible actions for both you and the other person. This will help you be prepared, calm and kind when the time comes to have the conversation.

 

Join the Conversation:

If feedback hard for you? What strategies do you have for addressing challenging behaviors? Share your thoughts with me on LinkedIn or Instagram @Claire Laughlin Consulting. 

 

Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague!

To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, so be sure to subscribe.

Until next time, lead the way!

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
REVIEW ON APPLE

Episode transcript

Click here to view the full episode transcript.

Transcript

Subscribe for weekly inspiration

Get it delivered right to your inbox!

Enter your name and email below and you'll get the inside scoop when we release a new episode on the podcast plus weekly leadership inspiration. We know you're not one to miss out on a good thing!

ClaireLaughlin.com needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at anytime. See our privacy policy for terms and conditions and to learn how we protect your data.

About your Host

Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant

Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.

For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!). 

I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.

I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.

When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.

Photo of Claire Laughlin looking at her dog

Listen Now

Let's keep the party going!

We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Podcast cover art with words "Episode 52: How Are You Measured"

Episode #52: How Are You Measured?

You're working harder than ever, but you can't shake that feeling of being busy without being productive. The problem isn't your effort or your skills—it may be a lack of clarity about how you're actually measured and what success looks like in your role. In this episode, I'll show you exactly how to create that clarity through strategic conversations that will transform scattered effort into focused progress.

More on this episode
Podcast cover art with the words "Episode 53: "Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders with Roxanne Harrison"

Episode #53: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders with Roxanne Harrison

In this episode, Roxanne Harrison and I explore the Year of the Fire Horse and what it means for your leadership. We walk through all nine Enneagram types and uncover what each needs to let go of, what to stop gripping so tightly, and what energy you're being invited to step into so you can lead with vitality instead of exhaustion.

More on this episode