Advanced Lab Management

Giving & Receiving Feedback Effectively

Course overview
Growth starts with listening—and continues with sharing. In this course, lab managers will develop the skills to both give and receive feedback with openness and professionalism. Through strategies to manage emotional reactions, deliver constructive feedback, and apply active listening techniques, learners will build trust, foster accountability, and create a feedback-friendly lab culture.


  • Area of Study

    Advanced Lab Management

  • Course Duration

    1 hour

  • CEUs

    0.2

    This course is part of the Advanced Lab Management Certificate. Looking to enroll in the full certificate?
    Advanced Lab Management Certificate | Lab Manager Academy

    What is this course about?

    In many labs, feedback is inconsistent, unclear, or avoided altogether. But feedback done right can boost morale, improve performance, and strengthen professional relationships. This course offers lab leaders a structured approach to giving feedback that is actionable, respectful, and well-received. It also dives into the equally important skill of receiving feedback with curiosity and reflection, rather than defensiveness. You’ll gain practical tools and communication strategies to turn feedback into one of your lab’s greatest leadership assets.

    What are the benefits of this course?

    • Deliver feedback with impact: Share clear, constructive feedback that motivates and guides.
    • Receive feedback with confidence: Learn to manage defensiveness and use input for growth.
    • Foster psychological safety: Create an environment where open communication thrives.
    • Improve team performance: Use feedback as a tool to align expectations and build accountability.
    • Strengthen lab culture: Build stronger relationships through transparency and trust.

    What are the learning outcomes of this course?

    By the end of this course, engaged learners should be able to:

    • Understand the role of feedback in professional development and lab culture
    • Use proven strategies for giving timely, specific, and actionable feedback
    • Respond productively to feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear
    • Recognize how emotions and defensiveness impact feedback conversations
    • Build a feedback-rich environment that supports trust and learning

    Meet The Instructor

    Scott Hanton

    PhD

    Years of Experience
    Scott Hanton is the editorial director at Lab Manager and the leader of the Lab Manager Academy. He spent 30 years working in industrial chemistry labs, with 20 years as a lab manager. He had roles of general manager, laboratory operations manager and chief scientist for Intertek Allentown. Previously, he had roles of research scientist, laboratory supervisor, and section manager at Air Products & Chemicals. Through these different roles, Scott developed expertise in polymer mass spectrometry, analytical characterization, people leadership, and business management. He earned a BS in Chemistry from Michigan State University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott is an active member of ACS, ASMS, and ALMA.
    Lab Manager Academy is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.