Few people like giving negative feedback. Being on the receiving end is just as hard. However feedback that is skilfully delivered provides valuable opportunities to learn – and therein lies the rub! Many of us never learn how to skilfully deliver or receive feedback, and in many cases have been socialised to see negative feedback as a bad thing. Bill Gates is quoted as saying: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning”.

No one likes giving negative feedback. I hate giving it, and I struggle to receive it. I don't think I am different from many of you on that score. If you are struggling to have candid conversations with those around you, as a manager or leader, as a parent, a friend, a client or as an employee, it might be worth asking yourself two questions: What am I intending to achieve with my approach to this conversation? How will my approach contribute to strengthening this relati