This is an episode of The Passionate Workforce Podcast. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts here and grab the bestselling book on Amazon. These episodes are also available on YouTube.
Feedback is one of the most crucial yet anxiety-inducing responsibilities leaders face. Delivered well, it can ignite growth, boost morale, and elevate performance. Handled poorly, it can demoralize teams, stifle creativity, or anchor progress. But how do we deliver feedback that consistently inspires positive change rather than triggering defensiveness or complacency?
In the latest episode of The Passionate Workforce Podcast, Nicholas Capman dives deep into the art and science of effective feedback with Liz Troll, an executive consultant with more than four decades of global leadership experience in Quality Management and Compliance across the pharmaceutical industry.
Liz’s extensive career—spanning critical roles at Endpoint Clinical, Neovance, Novan, IQVIA, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, and beyond—has given her a front-row seat to what makes feedback conversations transformative or destructive. In this insightful conversation, Liz shares her practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and hard-earned wisdom about navigating feedback to drive meaningful outcomes.
Key insights from the discussion:
Is your feedback a guiding light or an anchor? Liz challenges us to consider whether our feedback helps guide performance forward or inadvertently holds individuals back. Feedback is most effective when it clearly identifies the gap between expectations and actual performance, providing a roadmap rather than simply delivering judgment.
SMART expectations should be non-negotiable. Setting clear expectations—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely—is foundational to productive feedback. Vague or poorly defined expectations inevitably result in confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.
Courageous conversations are essential. Feedback often requires courage—both from leaders giving feedback and individuals receiving it. Liz stresses the importance of openness, empathy, and honesty. Difficult conversations become less daunting when framed around actions and behaviors, not character or personal judgment.
Structured frameworks drive clarity. Liz advocates for using structured frameworks (such as career progression grids) to make feedback objective, consistent, and actionable. Clarifying competencies, skills, and experiences required for advancement helps individuals see exactly what it takes to reach the next level of their career.
Coaching vs. Mentoring and leveraging both effectively these days. Liz clearly differentiates coaching (building specific skills or competencies) from mentoring (strategic, reflective guidance toward long-term goals). Both tools are vital to effective feedback and professional development but serve distinct purposes.
Feedback as a catalyst for authentic career development. Leaders must recognize that honest feedback can sometimes lead individuals to discover that their best career opportunities lie elsewhere—and that's okay. Transparent, respectful conversations about expectations and career paths can empower employees to find roles where they truly thrive, ultimately benefiting both individuals and organizations.
For leaders looking to take this even further, Nick Capman’s book The Passionate Workforce: How to Create and Maintain Maximum Employee Engagement offers an in-depth guide to building a workplace culture where employees thrive.
Drawing from practical strategies, real-world examples, and proven methods, Nick provides actionable insights for leaders at every level. Whether you're refining your leadership style, implementing engagement initiatives, or preparing your team for the future, this Amazon #1 bestseller equips you with the tools to transform your organization from the inside out.
If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, it’s an invaluable resource for any leader serious about maximizing employee engagement and creating a workplace where passion and performance are inextricably linked. Grab your copy on Amazon
The FDA Group helps life science organizations rapidly access the industry's best consultants, contractors, and candidates.
Need expert help planning and executing compliance projects or connecting with a quality and compliance professional? Get in touch with us. If we haven’t worked together yet, watch our explainer video below or head to our company introduction page to see if we could help you execute your projects now or in the future.
Our service areas:
Quality Assurance | Regulatory Affairs | Clinical Operations | Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation | Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) | Pharmacovigilance | Expert Witness
Our engagement models:
Consulting Projects | Staff Augmentation | FTE Recruitment
Our podcast:
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | Web + Others
Share this post