Let me share a story that left a lasting impact on me. I was at work, and the time for the quarterly feedback session with my team lead was approaching. Like most people, I prepared myself for the usual routine of hearing some praise followed by areas that needed improvement.

On the day of the session, my lead surprised me. Instead of immediately sharing his thoughts on my performance, he asked for my feedback first. It caught me off guard, as I didn't have any major concerns to raise. We had been having ongoing conversations, addressing any issues as they arose, rather than waiting until the end of the quarter. When he asked if I felt supported, I genuinely nodded. He had always been there for us.

Then it was his turn to provide feedback. The first point he made was a compliment, bringing a smile to my face. The second point was also positive. I waited for the expected "but," the criticism I assumed was coming. But to my surprise, it never came. "That's all," he said.

I felt a sense of lightness. Leaving the session, I wasn't just relieved, I was genuinely happy. This meeting turned out to be a game-changer for me. It shattered my belief that feedback always had to include negative points. I developed a new level of trust with my lead, which fueled my motivation to work even harder.

That day taught me an important lesson: negative feedback isn't everything. We tend to believe that feedback is solely about pushing people to grow by pointing out their flaws. But isn't it equally crucial to acknowledge their strengths and accomplishments? Sometimes, individuals may not even realize their own value. So, why not utilize feedback sessions to recognize and highlight their contributions as well?