GoKawiilEntrepreneur op-ed urges managers to adopt 'say it sooner' feedback rule
An Entrepreneur contributor argues that leaders often delay addressing small workplace issues—like formatting errors, lateness or interrupting—out of a desire to avoid conflict or hurt feelings. The piece proposes a 'say it sooner' approach: raising concerns while they are minor, focusing on specific behavior rather than character, and using regular check-ins to normalize ongoing feedback.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The argument suggests that withheld feedback doesn't protect trust but erodes it, since employees who hear nothing assume they're meeting expectations until problems compound into larger conflicts. This framing could push managers to treat frequent, smaller feedback conversations as a core leadership habit rather than an occasional corrective measure.
- Delaying tough conversations lets minor issues snowball into resentment and conflict.
- Feedback should target specific behavior, set clear expectations, and affirm the employee's ability to improve.
- Regular check-ins, such as weekly ones, can help leaders build a habit of early, consistent feedback.
Source: entrepreneur.com — Ruthann Peace Brown, 2026-10-15
Published there as: “The ‘Say It Sooner’ Rule That Prevents Small Team Problems From Becoming Big Ones”
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