Episode 27: Rethinking Performance Feedback

Written By Jess Almlie
 
 

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Good feedback fuels performance and behavior change. Poor feedback does the opposite. It’s one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit, yet one of the hardest to get right. In this episode, Dr. Ken Nowack and Dr. Sandra Mashihi unpack why feedback often fails, and how L&D can help leaders build the skills to deliver it in ways that actually drive results. From the neuroscience of feedback to practical models like the 3E framework and 4-quadrant approach, Ken and Sandra offer L&D professionals a clear path to elevating feedback across the organization.

 What You'll hear: 

  • How to move beyond feedback systems to personal connections. 

  • Addressing the gap between leader and employee perspectives on feedback.

  • A 4-quadrant model that provides guidelines for personalized performance feedback. 

  • The neuroscience behind both successful and painful feedback.

  • The 3Es of effective performance feedback: Enlighten, Encourage, Enable. 

  • Cultural considerations for feedback.

 About Dr. Sandra Mashihi

Dr. Sandra Mashihi is a distinguished Organizational Psychologist, keynote speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience. She is dedicated to transforming leadership behavior, building high-performing teams, and enhancing workplace relationships. As the founder of Spectra Coaching, Sandra leads with a blend of psychology and practical strategies that have successfully impacted Fortune 500 companies and leaders across industries.

 About Dr. Kenneth M. Nowack

Kenneth M. Nowack, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Senior Research Officer of Envisia Learning, Inc. Dr. Nowack received his doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Nowack is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association’s Division 13: Society of Consulting Psychology and was the former Editor-in-Chief of the Consulting Psychology Journal. He is also a member of Daniel Goleman’s Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations.

Find and Connect with Sandra and Ken

 Coming Soon! 

Jess's book, L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner will be published by ATD Press on September 2, 2025. To be the first to get behind-the-scenes updates, early sneak peeks, and join the virtual launch party, join Jess's email list! You'll get the L&D Must Change newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly as well as special updates on the book when available. Click here to join! 

Jess Almlie
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Episode 28: Maturing the L&D Function
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Episode 26: AI Isn’t a Tool; It’s a Team Member