How to Give Your Team the Feedback They Actually Need

This HBR IdeaCast episode interviews Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall, authors of *Nine Lies About Work*, about their critique of traditional performance feedback methods. The discussion challenges the common practice of focusing on weaknesses, arguing that developing employees' strengths—defined as activities that energize them—leads to better performance. They suggest managers should focus on understanding what works well for each employee and build upon those strengths, rather than attempting to fix weaknesses. The authors also question the reliability of common performance metrics like 360-degree reviews and suggest alternative approaches that prioritize individual experiences and reactions. Ultimately, the podcast advocates for a shift in management focus from fixing mistakes to fostering individual excellence by leveraging employees' inherent strengths.