A study conducted by Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, revealed that people tend to move away from those who provide feedback that is more negative than their view of themselves. They do not listen to their advice and prefer to stop interacting with them altogether. When it comes to feedback, there does not have to be a bad guy.

Surrounding yourself with people who only provide positive feedback will do little to accelerate your growth. Ask yourself what it means and looks like when someone is invested in your success. Then measure that person’s feedback and behavior against your standard. You are bound to uncover positive intent.  Francesca reminds us, “If you are serious about improving at work, then you should be sure to develop and nurture relationships with people who are willing to give you that tough feedback.”