Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small, and sometimes, they don’t appear to be gifts at all.

What is feedback? At one time in my life, I asked that exact question. From my experience in both giving and receiving feedback, and what I've learned from different training programs at lululemon, here's what I've gathered:

Feedback is a tool to assist the recipient (and the provider!) in becoming great. It consists of a series of words, spoken together, and delivered in the moment the feedback is conceived. Feedback is spoken with candor (frankness, openness, and sincerity) and is not a personal attack.

Feedback is a gift.

Too often, we are fearful of giving feedback, as we are fearful of what the recipients are going to think about us. We are scared, as perhaps we are going to appear mean. We are nervous, as we are not sure how the recipient is going to take it.

Well, guess what?

Feedback isn't about us. It's all about the receiver. So take a deep breath, do others a favour, and give them feedback.

It truly is the ultimate gift.

Who are you giving the gift of feedback to?