189: How Great Leaders Ask for Feedback (Without Looking Weak) | Damon Lembi

Winning cultures aren’t created by accident—they’re built through feedback, humility, and real action. 

In this solo episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi reveals the five essential strategies every leader should use to get better feedback—and transform it into real improvement. Backed by research and brought to life with stories from his own career (including writing his bestselling book and leading a team of millions), Damon outlines practical tools, scripts, and even AI hacks for soliciting insightful, actionable criticism. Whether you’re a CEO or an aspiring leader, you’ll walk away ready to seek out the feedback that fuels growth—and learn how to make your team feel safe giving it. 

From overcoming the fear of tough conversations to leveraging anonymous Google Docs and the power of AI, this episode delivers a blueprint for anyone committed to leveling up their leadership through radical learning and self-awareness. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why leaders who regularly seek feedback are rated far higher than those who don’t—and what that means for your growth. 
• How to “invite feedback with vulnerability,” and the exact script Damon used to get honest advice while writing his book. 
• The power of asking one specific question—instead of settling for binary, shallow responses. 
• How to “meet people where they’re comfortable” so feedback isn’t intimidating or awkward. 
• Systems for anonymous, safe feedback—including the Help Damon Help You Google Doc template. 
• The cutting-edge ways Damon uses AI as a feedback machine, from analyzing meeting transcripts to reworking team comp plans. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Surprising research: Feedback-seeking leaders dominate performance 

02:30 – Strategy 1: Invite feedback with vulnerability (Damon’s book writing story) 

05:25 – Strategy 2: Connect and ask for one specific thing 

08:45 – Strategy 3: Meet them where they’re comfortable 

11:10 – Strategies 1-3 recap—when 1:1 conversations matter 

12:05 – Strategy 4: Make it safe through systems (anonymous Google Doc) 

14:50 – Damon’s prompt questions for feedback 

16:15 – Sharing and acting on team feedback 

17:05 – Strategy 5: Leveraging AI as a feedback machine 

18:25 – Example: AI feedback on compensation plans 

20:00 – Using AI to debrief podcast interviews 

21:20 – Why you shouldn’t get defensive about feedback 

23:05 – Damon’s challenge: Pick an area, try a new feedback strategy 

24:10 – Closing: Resources and how to connect 

About Damon Lembi 

Damon Lembi is a 2x bestselling author, the host of The Learn-It-All Podcast, and CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. Drawing from his prior baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time.    

Resources & Mentions: 

• The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools by Damon Lembi:  
• https://a.co/d/azzNKWM  
• Good Decisions Equals Success by Damon Lembi & Kandis Porter:  
• https://a.co/d/hJhnRJU  
• Damon Lembi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: podcast@learnit.com 

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