Beyond Ego: Feedback that Actually Helps – Your Shot of Fearless Culture #371

Where change agents find their weekly dose of culture insights and exercises, one topic at a time.

Apr 02, 2025

"Great presentation! I have a better idea though..."

Sounds familiar?

We've all been there – sharing our work only to have someone completely hijack it with their "improvements."

The problem isn't the feedback itself. It's that somewhere along the way, the spotlight is on the feedback giver, not the receiver.

That leader who jumps in first during meetings. The colleague who can't resist "improving" your presentation. The manager who turns every review into an opportunity to brag about their expertise.

They're not giving feedback. They're feeding their ego.

Real feedback isn't about being the smartest person in the room – it's about being the most helpful.

So next time you're about to give feedback, pause and ask: "Am I trying to be helpful or heroic?"

The answer makes all the difference.

Explore this week’s newletter:

My latest article → Feedback Isn't About Your Ego – It's About Being Helpful
Join our global culture pulse
Practical tips and insights to make feedback helpful

Stay fearless, my friend.

Gustavo

In Case You Missed It

→ Your Team Is Afraid of Feedback? Think Again.

[Join Us] 2025 Global Culture Pulse

What are the key global trends and challenges affecting culture?

That’s what we are about to find out. At Fearless Culture, we’re conducting a global culture study interviewing CHROs and People and Culture leaders.

We’d love to hear your perspective.

Complete this short form – and share your thoughts (you’ll receive a copy of the final report).

Interviews are 30 minutes long and confidential.

Ask Your Team This

Are you offering feedback – or delivering your unofficial TED Talk?

⚠️ Try It Today

Before offering input on someone's work, quickly ask yourself these four questions:

Is it true?
Is it important?
Has someone else already said it?
Will it help this person or project right now?

If you can't answer "yes" to all four, that indicates that your feedback is not needed – you’d better stay silent.

🍦 Feed Your Curiosity

Why people crave feedback – and why we’re afraid to give it

Bad behavior is contagious: beware of the company you keep

6 ways you’re getting radical candor wrong

🔎 Improve Your Culture By Design, Not Chance

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Join over 20,000 graduates in mastering the art and science of culture design. Registration is open for April, May, and June – book your seat now.

What You'll Gain:

Understand the four types of culture – and which is yours
Map your culture across multiple teams and how to consolidate it into one canvas
Master facilitation skills to lead culture change with confidence
Assess each of the building blocks of the Canvas
Define and prioritize actions for each of the building blocks
Get exclusive tools and templates – only for participants