The Lean-In Factor: Why Some Feedback Ignites Growth While Others Shut It Down
As I approach my two-year anniversary I’ve been reflecting on the hundreds of feedback conversations I’ve witnessed, coached, or led. I’ve seen the "Lean-In" factor in action: those rare moments where a single conversation transforms a struggling employee into a superstar. But I’ve also seen the opposite, where the wrong approach causes a talented person to mentally "check out" before the meeting is even over.
It reminds me of a moment very early in my own career
I remember sitting in a cold, glass-walled office, being told I simply needed to “improve.” No examples. No roadmap. Just a vague sense that I wasn't meeting an invisible bar. I didn’t walk away motivated; I walked away second-guessing every email I sent and every word I spoke. I didn't feel like a valued professional; I felt "threatened." click here to learn more
