What if the feedback you’re most hesitant to receive is actually a gift? In this solo episode, I share what 360-degree feedback really is—and what it is not—drawing on more than 30 years of experience helping leaders use feedback as a tool for growth rather than judgment. I explain how 360 feedback works, why it must always be developmental, and how it helps people see both their strengths and their blind spots through the eyes of others.

I also share a personal story about 360 feedback I once received that surprised me—and ultimately helped me become a better leader. When we take the time to reflect on the data, share it openly, and make a genuine commitment to change, that’s where the real power of this kind of feedback lives. Used well, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.

Since 1994, my company, Grow Strong Leaders, has helped organizations use 360-degree feedback to support leadership development—not performance ratings or termination decisions. If you’re curious about using this technology in a way that truly supports growth, connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out through growstrongleaders.com.

You’ll discover:

• Why 360 feedback should always be developmental, not punitive
• How honest input from others reveals blind spots and strengths
• The importance of sharing your feedback and your intentions
• Why commitment—not data—is where real change begins
• How 360s build trust when used with humility and care

Watch the episode:

Connect with Meredith

Meredith’s Resources

Website

Grow Strong Leaders

Books

Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills

Grow Strong Character

Related Podcast Episodes

Leader-Team Communication

360 Resources

After 25 years in leadership roles in business-to-business technology, Karen changed her life by serving and guiding the transformation of others. Since 2007, she’s been coaching, consulting, and facilitating leadership workshops for organizations such as Pfizer, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, and Medtronic, as well as small to medium businesses

Today, Karen’s practice focuses on deep one-on-one coaching with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, and executive coaches who are committed to their success, ready to uncover their hidden potential and make their own unique difference in the world. She’s the co-author of three books; and in her interview, we focused on her latest, How to Get the Most Out of Coaching, A Client’s Guide for Optimizing the Coaching Experience.

You’ll discover:

• The benefits Karen has experienced herself by working with different coaches since 2007
• The distinction between goal-line and soul-line and how the two work together
• What it means to be coachable
• Why it’s so critical to have an agreement related to each person’s commitment to the coaching process
• The kinds of actions that are important immediately before and after the coaching session

Watch the episode:

Connect with Karen

Karen’s Resources

Website

Karen Davis Coaching

Books

How to Get the Most Out of Coaching

When All Boats Rise

Can you imagine having your arm torn off your body at age 7? That was the reality that my guest, Brian Bogert, faced at that tender age. You’ll be inspired and moved hearing Brian’s story of the accident, his recovery, and how he has used that experience to pursue the path he’s on now. His goal is to impact one BILLION people in the next 25 years, to help them see how to experience No Limits Living. Get out your pen and paper because Brian shares so much wisdom that you’ll want to capture these insights and tips to apply later.

Brian is a passionate human behavior and performance coach, speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader who believes in helping growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: meaning, their most authentic selves.

You’ll discover:

• How to experience pain so you can move through it now and avoid suffering in the future
• Ways to increase your levels of awareness to realize when you’re operating in a “victim” mindset
• Questions you can ask others to help you identify blind spots…and the mindset you need to adopt before you ask
• How to take personal responsibility even if you find yourself being emotionally triggered by someone’s words or actions
• The advantages of approaching a situation from a neutral position

Watch the episode:

Connect with Brian

Brian’s Website

BrianBogert.com