The Feedback Fallacy

The Feedback Fallacy is the idea that giving people constant feedback is the best way to improve performance. Research shows this isn’t always true; often, feedback can cause stress, self-doubt, or defensiveness, which hinder growth. Instead, focusing on understanding a person’s strengths, supporting their development through coaching, and creating an environment where they can experiment and learn from experiences tend to be more effective. The key isn’t just about telling people what’s wrong but helping them discover how to improve in ways that build confidence and engagement over time.