As Craig and I prepare to celebrate 40 years of marriage, I’ve been reflecting on one unforgettable moment from our early years together—a late-night argument, a blunt neighbor, and the laughter that followed. What stayed with me was more than the humor. It was the reminder that feedback, perspective, and the ability to not take ourselves too seriously can change everything.

Feedback is vital to our development and growth, both as professionals and in our personal life. But harshly negative feedback, especially from a superior in the workplace, is only rarely effective, and can cause employees to fear speaking up, stop taking chances, spread resentment among others, or find a new job.