Generations at Work 023: Earning the Right: Relationship-Driven Feedback Across Generations
Dec 2, 2025
Jeff Hancher, a leadership expert and author of Firm Feedback, dives into the importance of feedback in multi-generational workplaces. He discusses how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z perceive feedback differently and shares ways to tailor feedback to each generation. Jeff emphasizes the value of building trust and setting clear expectations, recounting a personal story of transformation through tough love from his manager. The conversation is rich with actionable tips for leaders to create a culture of meaningful and effective feedback.
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Feedback Gaps Fuel Quiet Quitting
- Quiet quitting and feedback gaps are a massive organizational risk costing trillions globally.
- Jeff Hancher links promotability failures to low emotional intelligence and lack of firm feedback.
Earn The Right Before Tough Feedback
- Earn the right to give hard feedback by building trust and demonstrating care first.
- Tough feedback lands when people know you care and have made relational deposits.
Set Fair Expectations First
- Set fair, clear expectations before giving feedback and train people to meet them.
- Explain why expectations matter and how they benefit the individual, especially for Gen Z.
