It’s that time of year for (gasp!) performance reviews! Whether you are giving the feedback, or receiving it - it is very common to have pain points around this issue. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In today’s episode, I invite the amazing Meredith Bell - author, podcast host, and expert in leader and team communications - to share her wisdom and insight on this complex issue of feedback. We discuss the practical tools you need to start feeling more comfortable with these conversations and begin to look at feedback as a gift - no matter what side of the discussion you’re on!  We dive into: [4:45] Meredith’s career history and why she made a major career change [7:35] What gave her the courage to shift from a steady teaching career to entrepreneurship [11:15] Why pivoting your career does not mean you’re throwing out all of your corporate skills (and how to flip this belief so you can thrive even more in your new role!) [14:00] The inspiration for Meredith’s books about communication [17:45] What THIS mindset tool has to do with Finding Nemo [23:15] The IMPORTANT mindset you can adopt to help you stay gracious and productive when offering feedback [28:00] Understanding the importance of timing when giving constructive feedback [31:00] How to effectively OWN your feedback so it is impactful and well-received [34:00] What the positive to constructive feedback ratio looks like for high-performing teams - and how to achieve this standard! [38:45] One thing you might be underestimating about your impact as a leader (and how to stop overlooking it!) [42:40] A practical tool to help you set the stage for a difficult feedback conversation [46:15] Some ways to help you accept feedback more graciously [53:00] Meredith’s advice to help you achieve better communication and more independent thinkers in the workplace Meredith’s books are available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle: Connect with Your Team Peer Coaching Made Simple   Listen Like a Pro, free ebook that is excerpt of Listening Chapter, available at: https://growstrongleaders.com/free/   Learn more by staying connected to Meredith Bell here: Website: https://GrowStrongLeaders.com Strong for Performance Podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/podcasts/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell Twitter: https://twitter.com/meredithmbell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithMBell Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Yqt-i8ehRSj5pEb1VEgSA Join the Women Leading Powerfully -  Leadership Lab  We hear from women everywhere a deep craving for more. More fulfillment in their career, more desire to have a clear vision for their future, more readiness to take charge of their leadership and grow personally and professionally. Visit our website at www.womenleadingpowerfully.com and apply now for a seat in one of our upcoming cohorts. In this season of unknowns, the Leadership Lab offers women the opportunity to get certain. You will make choices and increase your impact in more meaningful ways than ever before.   Here is what you will walk away with after 12 weeks of group coaching: -Clarity and Confidence around what YOU really want -Awareness of what gets in your way -A vision statement for you as a leader -Tools for taking action that gets you from where you are to where you want to be -An easy way to measure your progress and get unstuck as you move forward So, if you are looking to build life-long connections and be in a community of like-minded women that have the same goals, then reach out to Natalie at [email protected] for a complimentary coaching call to see if the Leadership Lab is the next step in your personal and professional journey! _____________________ Love the show? Let us know! Do you love the Lead Your Life podcast? If the insights, interviews and real conversations we share in each episode help you step into your power, and have more confidence to