Dear Reader,

When was the last time someone told you what you did really well? Not a generic “great job,” but something specific, thoughtful, and sincere?

If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. One of the most surprising insights I got in my feedback trainings is how hard it is for people to give positive feedback.

When we talk about giving constructive or even critical feedback, people usually have plenty of examples, frameworks, and sometimes even confidence. But when the focus shifts to appreciation? There’s a pause. Nervous laughter. To many, it feels awkward.

We crave appreciation. We remember compliments for years. And still, when it’s our turn to give praise, we hesitate.

I’ve heard all the reasons. “I don’t want to sound arrogant.” “What if I make them uncomfortable?” “Who am I to judge?” And, I get it: Giving positive feedback is vulnerable.

I come to believe that positive feedback is heavily underestimated because research shows that constructive feedback isn’t even that effective: In the majority of cases, our judgement of someone else is actually our projection on them and says more about us. Also, neuroscience shows that criticism triggers the brain’s fight-or-flight response and, hence, blocks learning. And finally, it's very difficult to generalise the measures by which we judge performance becasue it's not one-size-fits-all. I see it in workshop facilitation all the time: The superpower of one is the pitfall of another and if I would ask my associates to adopt my facilitation quirks they would seem rather awkward.

Positive feedback, on the other hand, works. It reinforces what’s already working. It builds trust. It strengthens relationships. And it creates a culture where people feel seen and safe — the very conditions that help teams thrive.

And the best part? You already have the tools. Be specific. Share the impact — not in abstract terms, but what it meant to you. The more personal and grounded it is, the more likely it is to land and stick. Because when someone knows why their action matters, they’re more likely to repeat it. They’re also more likely to believe that what they do has value. And that they have value.

No more excuses. It's time to go out there and share some positive feedback!

🎙 Meanwhile, on the podcast…

A pair of flimsy plastic headphones, a voice in your ears bombarding you with dates, names and historical periods, and a momentary pause at each work of art as you side-step the seemingly disinterested guided tour.

If this sounds familiar, then museum facilitator and author Claire Bown is here to bring the museum alive for you! She reimagines the experience by making space for curiosity, conversation and participant-led interaction, turning passive presentations and fleeting glances into a treasure trove of stories, deep connection and meaning.

Join Claire to slow down, welcome in a little more wondering, and discover what museum exploration can teach us about the art of participation.

Find out about:

• The role of the museum environment in facilitating the experience
• Strategies for engagement, from visual thinking to slow looking
• Why we must give space for observation, before jumping into explanation
• How to achieve equal participation by re-designing group formation
• How to acknowledge and invite in existing knowledge from the group

🎧 Click here to listen to the interview

📥 Check out my 1-page summary

👀 Watch the unedited interview on Youtube​

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That’s it from my side! I hope you enjoy the content and find inspiration in the stories and podcast. Wishing you a week filled with reflection, connection, and growth—see you next week!

Myriam

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