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Learn Why Feedback Breaks Down

Explore why hard feedback often triggers defensiveness and why managers avoid difficult conversations. Learn how feedback can feel like a threat to identity, competence, belonging, or trust, and what to do differently.

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Apply the CARE Framework

Use a simple, repeatable four-step framework to structure hard feedback conversations: Concern with Clarity, Action or Absence of Action, Resulting Impact, and Engage for the Next Step.

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Build a Feedback Practice

Move beyond one-time feedback conversations by learning how to prepare, stay grounded during difficult moments, and follow up in ways that support accountability, growth, and trust.

About the Course

Hard feedback is one of the most important responsibilities of people management, and one of the most avoided. Many managers know feedback matters, but struggle with what to say when a performance conversation feels uncomfortable, emotional, or high-stakes. As a result, feedback is often delayed, softened until it becomes unclear, or delivered in ways that trigger defensiveness. This self-paced course is designed for people managers, supervisors, team leads, HR professionals, and organizational leaders who want a practical framework for addressing performance concerns without attacking character, assigning motives, or damaging trust. Throughout the course, you will learn why feedback breaks down, how to shift from vague or character-based feedback to behavior-based feedback, and how to use the CARE Feedback Framework to structure difficult conversations. You will also practice using feedback prompts, contrast examples, reflection activities, and planning tools that help you prepare before the conversation, stay grounded during it, and follow up afterward. By the end of the course, you will have practical language, a repeatable framework, and a clear process for addressing performance concerns with clarity, dignity, and accountability.

Course Curriculum

6 Chapters · 18 Lessons

  1. 1

    Welcome + Guidebook

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Guidebook

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome Video + Course Preview

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Pre-Assessment: Feedback Readiness Check

  2. 2

    Part I: Why Feedback Breaks Down

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Presentation - Part I - The History of LGBTQIA+ Advocacy + Key Concepts

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowledge Check: Character or Behavior?

  3. 3

    Part II: The CARE Framework

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Presentation - Part II - Creating Safe & Affirming Spaces - Socially, Emotionally & Physically

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Optional Video: The Secret to Giving Great Feedback

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowledge Check: Fix the Feedback

  4. 4

    Part III: From Conversation to Accountability

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Part III - Performative vs. Authentic Allyship

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Optional Video: A guide to lifelong allyship

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Knowledge Check: From Conversation to Accountability

  5. 5

    Final Reflection/Closing + Thank You!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Presentation - Closing + Thank You

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Survey

  6. 6

    Assignments + Continued Learning Resources

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      End-of-Course Knowledge Check

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Discussion Board: Commitment to Action

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Personal Reflection Questions

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Continued Learning Resources

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Resources

Ready to Say the Hard Thing Well?

Enroll now and learn how to address performance concerns with clarity, dignity, and accountability.

$97.00

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