New Year, New Growth: Embracing Feedback to Reimagine Your Leadership Journey

As we welcome a new year, many of us are setting ambitious goals for growth and improvement. But let me ask you this: how often do those goals include embracing feedback as a tool for personal and professional transformation? For many, feedback can feel daunting, even unwelcome. But here's the truth—true leadership requires resilience in the face of criticism. Rather than viewing feedback as a personal attack, consider it a valuable opportunity for reflection and improvement.

In his article, 5 Hard Truths to Transform Your Leadership Skills Instantly, Marcel Schwantes, a renowned leadership coach and author, highlights a simple but powerful principle: "If you can’t embrace feedback, you’re not growing." Let that sink in for a moment. Growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress—and feedback is your roadmap to getting there.

Feedback: A Gift, Not a Threat

Many of us instinctively recoil at the idea of receiving feedback. We fear it will expose our flaws or diminish our confidence. But what if we reframed that perspective? Feedback isn’t a threat to your self-worth; it’s a gift that can help you see blind spots, identify areas for growth, and ultimately become a more effective leader.

As Schwantes points out, "Effective leaders must be self-aware, and self-awareness comes from being open to feedback." This means listening with curiosity rather than defensiveness and treating every piece of constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn. After all, no one becomes a great leader in isolation.

"Effective leaders must be self-aware, and self-awareness comes from being open to feedback."        

Resilient Leadership is Not Unlike Innovation Development

Let’s talk about resilience. Leadership isn’t a walk in the park—it’s more like a hike through rugged terrain. You’ll face obstacles, criticism, and moments of doubt. But how you respond to those challenges defines your growth trajectory. Not unlike innovation development, where with market feedback you course correct.

Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring criticism or brushing it off. Instead, it means having the courage to confront feedback head-on, reflect on it, and use it to improve. Schwantes reminds us that "it’s okay to admit you don’t know everything." In fact, leaders who embrace their imperfections and remain teachable earn the respect and trust of their teams.

Reimagining Feedback in the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to shift your mindset around feedback. Instead of fearing it, invite it. Here are a few actionable steps to help you get started:

• Seek Feedback Proactively

Don’t wait for formal reviews or unsolicited criticism. Ask your team, peers, and even mentors for their honest input. Questions like, “What’s one thing I could do differently to be a better leader?” or “How can I better support you?” demonstrate humility and a willingness to grow.

• Listen with an Open Mind

When receiving feedback, resist the urge to interrupt, defend, or justify. Instead, listen actively and take notes. Remember, feedback is about the giver’s perspective—not necessarily an absolute truth—but their insights can still be incredibly valuable.

• Reflect and Take Action

Feedback is only useful if you act on it. After receiving input, take time to reflect on what resonates with you. Then, create a plan to implement changes and monitor your progress over time.

• Create a Feedback Culture

As a leader, you set the tone for how feedback is perceived within your organization. Encourage open dialogue, celebrate growth, and model how to accept feedback with grace. Schwantes emphasizes that "great leaders build trust by being approachable and willing to learn from others."

"Great leaders build trust by being approachable and willing to learn from others."        

Feedback as a Tool for 360° Well-being

Leadership isn’t just about achieving results; it’s also about maintaining balance and fostering wellbeing—both for yourself and your team. When you embrace feedback, you’re not only improving your leadership skills but also strengthening your emotional resilience and mental clarity. By addressing blind spots and making meaningful changes, you reduce stress, improve relationships, and create a more positive work environment.

This holistic approach to leadership aligns perfectly with the ‘New Year, New Goals’ mindset. It’s not just about hitting targets; it’s about growing into the kind of leader who inspires, uplifts, and motivates others—and that starts with embracing feedback.

The Journey Ahead

So, as you step into this new year, challenge yourself to reimagine how you view feedback. Instead of seeing it as something to avoid, see it as an essential part of your leadership journey. As Schwantes wisely says, "Leadership is a journey, not a destination."

This year, make feedback your compass. Use it to navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and continue evolving into the leader you aspire to be. After all, growth is the ultimate goal—and it’s a journey well worth taking.

Anu D’Souza runs Bricoleur Consulting, a leadership coaching and recruitment company focused on the digital and technology industries. A thought leader on innovation, transformation and leadership, Anu has spent many years with companies like Unilever, Ogilvy and BBDO and has lived and worked in multiple cultures. Anu is also the author of ALIGNED Why CEOs need Company Brand Alignment in the Age of a Questioning Workforce. You can reach her on anu@bricoleurconsulting.com or book a call here.