Let’s Talk

Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower

by Therese Huston

4.6(110 ratings)

8 min read

Brief overview

This book shows how to strengthen your feedback skills so that they truly uplift and guide others. It explores practical ways to appreciate great work, coach effectively, and deliver evaluations without damaging trust. Expect to learn how to turn every feedback session into an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Introduction

Feedback can feel daunting, both to give and to receive. Many of us dread the potential awkwardness or conflict. Yet feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have to elevate each other’s performance and satisfaction at work.

In this summary, we’ll see how feedback goes beyond merely pointing out mistakes or handing out compliments. It can be an ongoing conversation that energizes, motivates, and sparks genuine breakthroughs. With the right strategies, clarity, and empathy, your feedback can become a powerful asset.

As you follow these pages, you’ll explore three main feedback types, learn to minimize defensiveness through simple approaches, and find ways to combine honesty and compassion. Let’s begin!

Why Feedback Matters

Many employees rate their jobs based on how recognized and supported they feel. Feedback is your opportunity to show that you notice their contributions, understand their challenges, and want them to succeed.

On the flipside, poorly handled feedback can do serious damage to morale and drive people away. That’s why understanding both the emotional and practical sides of feedback is critical.

Ultimately, constructive guidance keeps teams engaged and fosters better collaboration. Done well, day-to-day feedback can cultivate a culture where people feel safe, appreciated, and open to new ideas.

A steady flow of genuine feedback helps employees see their progress and strengthens trust in the workplace.

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What is Let’s Talk about?

"Let’s Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower" by Therese Huston offers an insightful exploration into mastering the art of feedback, an essential tool in any leader or manager's toolkit. Drawing from extensive research and real-world examples, Huston unravels the nuances of feedback, emphasizing its pivotal role in enhancing team dynamics and fostering a culture of growth. The book delves into differentiating between appreciation, coaching, and evaluation, providing a comprehensive understanding that elevates feedback beyond mere compliments or criticisms.

Designed for those seeking to transform their feedback skills into a powerful asset, this guide illuminates how feedback can serve as a bridge to deeper professional connections and personal development. Huston highlights the importance of holding the person over the problem, thereby fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and motivated. Readers will find practical advice on handling feedback conversations with empathy and care, coupled with strategies that minimize defensiveness and build trust.

Review of Let’s Talk

Therese Huston's "Let’s Talk" stands out with its pragmatic approach to navigating the often daunting world of feedback. At the heart of the book lies the ability to distinguish between different types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation. This distinction allows leaders to tailor their approach to the needs of their team, ensuring feedback is both relevant and effective. Huston's work is replete with actionable insights on making feedback sessions constructive rather than confrontational. Her emphasis on clarity and compassion is complemented by techniques that keep the focus on mutual growth and understanding.

One of the significant strengths of "Let’s Talk" is its applicability across diverse work environments. Huston deftly addresses common feedback pitfalls, offering strategies to navigate them with finesse. Her writing is both accessible and engaging, making even complex concepts feel intuitive. By adopting her guidance, readers can transform potentially awkward conversations into opportunities for empowerment and development, turning feedback into a mutually beneficial skill. This book serves as an essential resource for managers committed to honing their feedback acumen and fostering a thriving team culture.

Huston's skillful intertwining of theory and practical advice makes "Let’s Talk" highly relevant for anyone invested in improving workplace dynamics. Whether you're a seasoned manager or an aspiring leader, this book provides a roadmap to transforming feedback into a cornerstone of your professional toolkit. It's an insightful, invaluable guide, highly recommended for those aiming to cultivate an environment of continuous learning and collaboration.

Who should read Let’s Talk?

**HR Professionals:** Their direct role in managing employee performance makes this book an ideal guide for enhancing feedback effectiveness.
**Team Leaders and Managers:** Provides actionable strategies to build trust and encourage growth within their teams, making feedback sessions impactful.
**Aspiring Leaders:** Offers foundational insights into feedback, preparing them to navigate managerial roles effectively and compassionately.
**Coaches and Mentors:** Equips them with tools to offer constructive guidance and foster personal growth among their mentees.
**Educators:** Facilitates understanding of feedback dynamics, critical for mentoring students and peers in academic environments.

About the author

Therese Huston, PhD, is a cognitive scientist and faculty development consultant at Seattle University. She holds a BA from Carleton College and MS and PhD degrees in Cognitive Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. With over 19 years of experience in giving feedback, she has given more than 225 keynotes, talks, and workshops, including presentations for Microsoft, Amazon, and Harvard Business School. Her work focuses on effective feedback, decision-making, gender, and unconscious bias, as seen in her book "Let’s Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower" and other notable works such as "How Women Decide" and "Teaching What You Don't Know".