029: Skip the Empty Calories: How to Give Feedback That Nourishes

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh dig into something veterinary leaders hear all the time: people need more feedback. But what if the real issue isn’t how much feedback we give—but how nourishing that feedback actually is? Grounded in research exploring strengths-based feedback, work engagement, and job crafting, this conversation looks at what happens when feedback goes beyond “good job” or “here’s what you need to fix.” The research suggests that when people receive feedback that helps them recognize and understand their strengths, they may feel more energized at work—and be more likely to proactively shape their work in ways that help them thrive. From generic praise and corrective conversations to self-efficacy and job crafting, Andi and Josh unpack what strengths-based feedback actually sounds like and how veterinary teams can use it without ignoring performance problems or turning feedback into empty praise. You’ll hear: • Why more feedback isn’t necessarily better feedback • What makes strengths-based feedback different from generic praise • How strengths-based feedback connects to engagement and job crafting • Why self-efficacy may influence how people respond to feedback • Practical ways to make both positive and corrective feedback more useful People don’t need an all-you-can-eat buffet of feedback—they need feedback with some nutritional value. When we help people understand what’s strong in them, why it matters, and where they can use it next, feedback becomes more than something we give. It becomes something people can actually use. Resource Links:  Episode Article: Title: Linking Strengths-Based Supervisor Feedback to Job Crafting: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy Authors: Isabeau Van Strydonck, Vincent Goossens, Arnold B. Bakker, Evangelia Demerouti, Adelien Decramer, & Mieke Audenaert DOI: 10.1111/ijsa.70020 Florida Man This Week - Meat Market (https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/nak...) What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet (mailto:Info@flourish.vet) Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC (https://www.flourish.vet/andi)   Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP (https://www.flourish.vet/josh) At Flourish Veterinary Consulting (http://www.flourish.vet) we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.  Timestamps  00:00 Heatwave Catch-Up 08:12 Empty vs Nourishing Feedback 14:16 Strengths-Based Feedback Study 17:11 Key Definitions and Findings 22:22 Why Feedback Type Matters 23:58 What Strength Feedback Is 25:24 Job Crafting Energy Loop 28:03 Better Not More Feedback 29:02 Self Efficacy Surprise 36:56 Turning Research Into Practice 37:28 Upgrade Praise With Four Steps 39:35 Help Others See Strengths 41:57 Strengths In Corrective Talks 44:00 Dose Makes Poison Wrap 46:40 Closing And Call To Action Something's not working in vet med. You know it. We know it. So, let's actually talk about it. Share your voice in this 5 min. anonymous survey. We want to hear from you. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SURVEY (https://bit.ly/FlourishResearch)