Feedback culture explained in a single tweet

💬 "What Can We Do to Foster a Feedback Culture?"

One of the questions I often get asked when I emphasize the need for safe spaces and a strong feedback culture is:

"What can we do to get there?"

I usually share resources 📚 and personal tips, but this weekend, Rodrigo Cortés managed to answer this complex question in a single tweet 🎯:

🎥 “Today, I went to see The Devil’s Bathroom. I liked it, by the way, a lot. There weren’t many of us in the theater. I took notes several times, with the light at its lowest and, as I believed (mistakenly), ‘hidden’ and without bothering anyone.
At the end of the movie, a young man approached me to tell me, very politely, that if I was going to use my phone, I should sit in the last row. I apologized, of course, but I had also, it seems, ruined the movie for him. I don’t think my apology makes up for it.
I don’t know who you are and I doubt you’ll read this, but you’re absolutely right, and I deeply regret it. I looked around, didn’t see anyone, and thought I wouldn’t be noticed. You were also very kind in pointing it out, and, needless to say, it also bothers me when others behave as I did.
Best regards.”

So simple, yet it offers profound lessons for giving and receiving feedback 🙌:

👉 Politeness and Humility When Giving Feedback:

"A young man approached me to tell me, very politely..."

Feedback, especially uninvited, should be kind and respectful. This approach builds trust and encourages growth.

👉 Be Objective About Impact:

"I had also, it seems, ruined the movie for him..."

When giving feedback, describe the impact of actions on you or the team. And as a receiver, validate the other person’s feelings without defensiveness.

👉 Acknowledge Mistakes and Commit to Improvement:

"You’re absolutely right, and I deeply regret it. I looked around, didn’t see anyone, and thought I wouldn’t be noticed."

When we make mistakes, admitting them and committing to change shows integrity and openness.

For those who may not know him, Rodrigo Cortés is an internationally awarded film director 🎬, who’s worked with legends like Robert De Niro, Juan Gómez-Jurado, and Martin Scorsese.

This makes his public vulnerability even more inspiring. 🌟

In my experience, leaders who share moments like this—where they learn and grow from feedback—do the most to foster a healthy feedback culture. By normalizing that anyone can make mistakes, they create safe spaces where feedback thrives. 💡

Let’s follow his example. 💪 How do you promote feedback culture in your teams? Share your thoughts below! 👇