Healthy teams don’t grow through annual reviews alone. They grow through consistent, honest, and relational feedback.

In this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Bill Ferrell sits down with Brandon Hayes to discuss what it takes to build a culture where feedback is normal, helpful, and rooted in care.

They unpack why leaders often avoid feedback, how to build trust with your team, and practical ways to make feedback a regular part of your leadership rhythm, not just something reserved for annual reviews.

Whether you’re leading a large staff or a small team, this conversation will help you create a healthier culture where people can grow, develop, and thrive together.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why most leaders avoid feedback, and how to overcome it
The difference between a feedback culture and formal reviews
How trust makes honest conversations possible
Why feedback should be immediate, not delayed
How to balance encouragement and accountability
Simple questions to ask in one-on-ones that lead to growth
Why specific feedback is more helpful than general criticism
How to navigate emotional or difficult feedback conversations
Practical ways to document progress without feeling corporate
Why regular “one-degree corrections” prevent major problems

Meet the Guests

Bill Ferrell – Bill brings decades of leadership experience and helps teams build healthy systems, strong culture, and effective leadership rhythms.

Brandon Hayes – Brandon serves as a campus and teaching pastor, leading teams and developing leaders with a focus on growth, care, and intentional discipleship.

Register for the Elevate ConferenceThis episode is part of our March focus on worship ministry, leading up to Elevate Church Conference on September 21–22, 2026. Learn more and register at elevatechurchconference.com.