Author: Leda Stawnychko, Assistant Professor of Strategy and Organizational Theory, Mount Royal University

Giving performance feedback at work can be a stressful experience, especially for new leaders and their employees. It often evokes feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and defensiveness. Leaders might worry about how their feedback will be received and how it could affect workplace relationships. On the other hand, employees might feel vulnerable and apprehensive about being judged or criticized, which can lead to defensive reactions. Yet, feedback has never been more important. In today’s world, where complexity and unpredictability are the norm, leaders need access to diverse perspectives and accurate information to make informed decisions and strategically adjust their approaches. Employees…