The Learn-It-All Podcast 143: Communication Expert: The Psychology Behind Feedback That Works | Joe Hirsch
Giving and receiving feedback is one of the most critical yet difficult skills in leadership. Many leaders avoid giving honest feedback, and even more struggle to receive it without defensiveness. But what if feedback didn’t have to feel so uncomfortable?
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Joe Hirsch, a communication expert, speaker, and author of The Feedback Fix. Joe introduces his Feed Forward approach—transforming feedback from a dreaded conversation into a tool for growth. He shares strategies on how to foster a feedback culture, filter out bad feedback, and turn tough conversations into learning moments.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Why leaders struggle with giving and receiving feedback
- How to shift feedback conversations from blame to partnership
- The science behind why feedback triggers defensiveness
- How to ask for better feedback and become a feedback magnet
- The Feed Forward approach to make feedback feel empowering, not punishing
Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction to Joe Hirsch
01:07 – Why Feedback is Hard (But Necessary)
03:56 – Becoming a Feedback Magnet
05:39 – Joe’s Personal Story: Why Feedback Became His Life’s Work
09:25 – What is Feed Forward?
11:44 – How to Deliver Feedback Without Causing Defensiveness
16:13 – What to Do When People Resist Feedback
18:12 – Creating a Feedback Culture in Teams
20:07 – How to Normalize Feedback in the Workplace
24:12 – The Neuroscience of Learning from Mistakes
28:24 – How to Filter Good vs. Bad Feedback
32:21 – The Danger of Asking Too Many People for Feedback
35:31 – What to Do When Feedback Hurts
39:48 – How to Apply Feedback Effectively
41:25 – The Role of AI in Feedback
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Feedback Fix by Joe Hirsch – Amazon Link
- Joe Hirsch’s Website – https://www.joehirsch.me
- Marshall Goldsmith (Author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There) – Website
- Amy Edmondson on Intelligent Failure – Harvard Business Review
- The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson – Amazon Link
Podcast Contact Information:
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com
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