While sipping matcha and coffee with my dear friend Nancy, I was struck by something she didn’t seem to realize, something we often call a “blind spot” in the coaching world: she’s an amazing yoga teacher.

You see, Nancy teaches yoga at two studios in Princeton and has a devoted following. People genuinely love her and her classes. Nancy and I met eight years ago during yoga teacher training, back when we were both new to teaching and needed more than a gentle nudge just to stand in front of the room and lead.

Now, her voice is strong, her guidance steady, and her students fiercely loyal. Nancy is the kind of person who lights up a room. People literally smile at the mention of her name. And yet, she has no idea how deeply she’s admired or how much well-being, resilience, and joy she has brought to our community.

As we chat over our drinks, I tell Nancy again how much people value her teaching, and she looks genuinely surprised. I find myself repeating it, encouraging her to truly own it.

This moment reminded me of a truth I’ve seen time and again over more than 20 years of leadership coaching: quality feedback is a gift. And the ability to both offer and receive it is a skill, one that requires intention, a clear process, consistent practice, and courage. It’s essential to our growth as leaders, both personally and professionally.

We can’t always see ourselves clearly. Sometimes we’re stuck inside ourselves, unable to see what the world so clearly sees. We need honest, thoughtful feedback, delivered skillfully by people we trust, to help us recognize our strengths and own our gifts.