Dr. Ayers breaks down how safety professionals should handle deconstructive feedback — the kind of feedback that feels negative, uncomfortable, or even unfair. Instead of reacting defensively, he encourages leaders to “peel the onion back” and understand the feedback from the employee’s perspective.
This episode is all about turning uncomfortable moments into opportunities for connection, clarity, and improvement.
It often comes from frustration, fear, or unmet expectations.
Employees may not articulate it well, but the underlying message is valuable.
Leaders must listen for meaning, not tone.
Dr. Ayers emphasizes:
Ask clarifying questions
Seek the root cause of the concern
Understand the employee’s lived experience
Avoid assuming intent
This approach builds trust and reduces defensiveness.
Deconstructive feedback often reveals:
Process gaps
Communication breakdowns
Misaligned expectations
Hidden frustrations
Leaders who explore these signals improve both relationships and systems.
The episode reinforces:
Don’t shut down the conversation
Don’t take it personally
Don’t rush to justify your position
Do stay open, calm, and engaged
Curiosity turns conflict into collaboration.
Listen past the delivery to understand the message.
Ask questions that uncover root causes.
Use uncomfortable feedback as a leadership advantage.
