L&D Must Change 27. Rethinking Performance Feedback with Dr. Sandra Mashihi and Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack
Good feedback fuels performance and behavior change. Poor feedback does the opposite. It’s one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit, yet one of the hardest to get right. In this episode, Dr. Ken Nowack and Dr. Sandra Mashihi unpack why feedback often fails, and how L&D can help leaders build the skills to deliver it in ways that actually drive results. From the neuroscience of feedback to practical models like the 3E framework and 4-quadrant approach, Ken and Sandra offer L&D professionals a clear path to elevating feedback across the organization.
What You'll hear:
- How to move beyond feedback systems to personal connections.
- Addressing the gap between leader and employee perspectives on feedback.
- A 4-quadrant model that provides guidelines for personalized performance feedback.
- The neuroscience behind both successful and painful feedback.
- The 3Es of effective performance feedback: Enlighten, Encourage, Enable.
- Cultural considerations for feedback.
About Dr. Sandra Mashihi
Dr. Sandra Mashihi is a distinguished Organizational Psychologist, keynote speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience. She is dedicated to transforming leadership behavior, building high-performing teams, and enhancing workplace relationships. As the founder of Spectra Coaching, Sandra leads with a blend of psychology and practical strategies that have successfully impacted Fortune 500 companies and leaders across industries.
About Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack
Kenneth M. Nowack, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Senior Research Officer of Envisia Learning, Inc. Dr. Nowack received his doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Nowack is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association’s Division 13: Society of Consulting Psychology and was the former Editor-in-Chief of the Consulting Psychology Journal. He is also a member of Daniel Goleman’s Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations.
Find and Connect with Sandra and Ken
- LinkedIn: Sandra Mashihi, Ken Nowack
- Websites: Sandra - www.spectracoaching.com, Ken - www.envisialearning.com
- Book: Performance Feedback Strategies: Driving Successful Behavior Change
Find and Connect with Jess Almlie
Coming Soon! Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press on September 2, 2025. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join!