RESEARCH_FILE
Jack Zenger
Zenger Folkman
Known for:Large-sample research on leadership effectiveness and feedback, conducted with Joseph Folkman, showing employees want more corrective feedback than managers tend to give
SEE THE PRACTICE
Turn a thought this research explains into one clear move.
THE THOUGHT
“I’m too young to manage them”
YOUR RECORDED RESPONSE
“Their tenure explains the past; it doesn’t choose this week’s plan.”
ONE PRIVATE MOVE
On a blank note, list one decision you’re avoiding because of someone’s longer tenure. Under it, write the plain version of the direction in one sentence, then circle the verb you would use if you weren’t apologizing.
Key findings
- 2019
Analysis of 51,896 executives found those ranked in the bottom 10% at asking for feedback were rated at just the 15th percentile in overall leadership effectiveness, while those in the top 10% for feedback-seeking were rated in the 86th percentile. Feedback: The Powerful Paradox ↗
- 2022
In survey data on employee preferences, 57% preferred corrective feedback to praise, and 94% said corrective feedback improves their performance when it is delivered well — directly contradicting the assumption that new managers protect relationships by withholding it. Six Surprising Insights About Leaders and Feedback ↗