In this episode of You Might Try This, Stacey Philpot and Cade Cowan explore why leaders avoid giving feedback. They break down the psychology behind feedback fear, including how negative feedback triggers a real pain response in the brain and threatens identity.

Challenging outdated methods like the feedback sandwich (also known as a sh*t sandwich), they introduce practical tools like the SBI (situation-behavior-impact) framework, an “adjective ban,” and feedforward strategies. The result: clearer, more constructive conversations that build trust, improve performance, and turn feedback into a powerful tool for leadership growth.

Takeaways

• Clear, direct feedback builds trust and supports growth
• Focusing on observable behavior instead of character judgments betters the feedback session
• Avoid the feedback sandwich and lead with clarity
• Use the SBI framework: situation, behavior, impact
• Shift the conversation toward future improvement

Chapters

1:01 – Why leaders avoid feedback

7:23 – Selfishness and moral contagion

10:57 – Neuroscience of negative feedback

17:44 – Fundamental attribution error

20:06 – Adjective ban and SBI model

25:03 – Three experiments to try

If you’re an emerging leader, newly promoted manager, or ambitious professional aiming for your next level, this episode will help you rethink how you create value and what to let go of to grow.

#leadership #management #feedback