How Can We Give Feedback to Help Others Become Their Personal Best?
Posted: September 22, 2025
At Personal Best, we often talk about how to receive feedback, but another important skill is learning how to give feedback. Just like listening, giving feedback is a skill that requires practice and awareness. When offering feedback, it’s important to be clear, kind, and specific. Telling someone, “You’re terrible at sparring,” doesn’t help them improve—it only hurts. A better approach is to say, “It would be great if you could increase your intensity when sparring and really connect with your partner.” This kind of feedback points out what to improve without being personal or discouraging.
One of the best ways to give meaningful feedback is by practicing Full Body Listening. When we truly listen with our eyes, ears, body, and heart, we show others that we are paying attention. This respect and focus make our feedback more valuable, because people are more willing to accept advice from someone who has clearly been watching, listening, and caring about their growth. Whether you are giving feedback to a teammate in class, a sibling at home, or even a friend, your tone, posture, and sincerity make all the difference.
When we give feedback thoughtfully, we help others build confidence and improve their skills, and we also strengthen our own leadership. Remember: to be a great teacher, you must always be a great student. By giving feedback that is specific, kind, and respectful, you help others move closer to becoming their Personal Best—and in the process, you grow closer to yours as well. 🥋