December reflections
A small collection of the moments and lessons from this month.
December circled around two closely related themes.
Clarity in how we speak.
And trust in how our words land.
Both reflections looked at feedback. Not as a technique, but as a human exchange that either steadies people or puts them on guard.
If you missed them, I have gathered them here.
Feedback is not one conversation. It is three.
A reflection on why feedback so often feels confusing or heavy, even when it is well intentioned. This piece explores the difference between performance, improvement, and appreciation, and why mixing them in one conversation blurs the message and strains relationships. It offers a simple habit for choosing the right conversation and staying there.
Read here:
https://ashokmohan.substack.com/p/the-three-types-of-feedback
Appreciation should never come with a warning.
A closer look at why appreciation loses its power when it is used as a lead in to criticism. This reflection explores what happens in the body when praise feels like a setup, why the old feedback sandwich never really worked, and how separating appreciation from criticism builds trust over time.
Read here:
https://ashokmohan.substack.com/p/most-positive-feedback-isnt-really
Thank you for reading along this month.
Thank you for the care you bring to these quieter questions about leadership and relationships.
I hope these reflections help you slow down, speak more clearly, and create conversations that people can truly hear.
Warmly
Ashok