Earning the Right to Lead: The Power of Firm, Empathetic Feedback with Jeff Hancher
Jul 31, 2025
Listen on:
In this episode of Dominate Your Day, I welcome Jeff Hancher—former Fortune 500 senior leader, founder, and author of The Art of Firm Feedback. We discuss the power of effective leadership communication, particularly around giving feedback that transforms rather than just corrects. Jeff emphasizes the importance of earning the right to have difficult conversations by consistently investing in people, building trust, and clarifying expectations.
A highlight of the episode is Jeff's personal story about a pivotal moment in his early career. After the sudden loss of his mother, he found himself struggling to stay engaged at work. His leader at the time chose not to shy away from the situation. Instead, he addressed it head-on, offering both empathy and accountability.
That conversation became a turning point, not just in Jeff's career, but in his overall approach to leadership. The episode underscores that great leadership is about more than driving results—it’s about showing up for people in meaningful ways.
As Jeff says, “The goal is not to be a boss people report to. The ultimate goal is to be a leader that people don't want to let down.”
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 5:00 — Transition to Entrepreneurship
- Minute 10:00 — The Power of Firm Feedback
- Minute 20:00 — Building Strong Relationships
- Minute 30:00 — Overcoming Challenges
Links + Resources from This Episode:
- Visit www.jeffhancher.com
- Get your copy of Jeff’s book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
Did you enjoy this episode of Dominate Your Day?
Please rate, review, and follow the podcast on:
Sign up for the Weekly Leader's Digest
Each week we'll send you easy action items you can incorporate into your daily work routine to help you become a better leader.
By signing up, you are joining the Dana Williams Co. email list. We never sell our data. You can unsubscribe at any time.
