Why Senior Leaders Resist Feedback

Why would a leader with twenty years of success resist feedback?

This question came up in a recent conversation with the HR leadership team of a large MNC.

“We have leaders scoring 3 out of 5 in 360 feedback,” the HR head said. “Twenty years with the company. Strong results. But they don’t accept the feedback or work on it.”

“How do they respond when you present this feedback?” I asked.

“They don’t see the need to change. They’ve been successful for two decades. They feel their results speak for themselves.”

“So from their viewpoint, what are you really asking them to do?”

She paused, thinking for a moment.

“We’re asking them to change what’s worked for them for twenty years.”

“And how would that feel to you?”

“Like someone saying my way isn’t good enough – even after years of proven success. I’d probably feel unappreciated too.”

“Exactly. What might happen if you framed it differently?”

“What do you mean?”

“What if, instead of highlighting what’s wrong, you focused on what’s possible?”

The L&D head leaned forward. Here’s what I shared:

Instead of “Here’s what’s wrong with your leadership,” try “Here’s how you can become even more effective.”

Instead of “You need to improve team relationships,” say “Here’s how you can go home each day knowing your team is genuinely motivated.”

Instead of “Your feedback scores need work,” try “Here’s how you can build a team that makes your job easier.”

The room went quiet. Then someone spoke up.

✨️”So we’re not fixing problems. We’re unlocking potential.”

“Exactly,” I said. “When leaders feel invested in rather than corrected, everything shifts.”

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Nobody resists growth.
👉They resist judgment.

The most successful leaders aren’t broken. They’re just ready for their next level of greatness.

How are you framing development in your organization – as correction or as investment?

Ashwni Sharma

Executive & Leadership Coach ( ICF-PCC → MCC in Progress ) · Marshall Goldsmith Certified · Founder & MD, A Brighter Life

Ashwni, the Founder and MD of A Brighter Life, is dedicated to empowering leaders to enhance their effectiveness, mindfulness, and influence for joyful success. With over 27+ years of corporate experience, driven by his passion for personal transformation, Ashwni left a successful career spanning four major companies across the UK, USA, and India. Working with CXOs, Board Members, and Top Leaders globally, he combines business management skills with life transformation expertise to enable practical and applicable conversations and actions. He holds international certifications as an Executive Coach and has mastered modalities such as NLP and Hypnotherapy. Ashwni’s passion lies in fostering self-leadership as the foundation for leadership development.

Connect with Ashwni Sharma