Feedback is like the weather

How a New Perspective on Weather Changes Everything

I was recently introduced to a phrase by Billy Connolly, about weather, which helps to put, what we’d normally see as bad, into a whole new light. He says…

“I hate all those weathermen, too, who tell you that rain is bad weather. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. So, get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little”.

What I love about what Connolly says is that it opens up choice. It lets us consciously decide how we want to view weather, rather than immediately default to how we’ve been socially conditioned to respond.

What Feedback and Weather Have in Common

Feedback is like the weather — it is natural, often unpredictable, and essential for growth. It is not the feedback itself that is good or bad, just like rain or sunshine are not good or bad. It is how we prepare for it, respond to it, and use it that makes the difference.

Think about it like this:

• Light rain – like gentle advice, refreshing and easy to absorb.
• A heavy storm – like tough criticism, unsettling at first but able to clear the air.
• Sunshine – like positive feedback, lifting your energy and encouraging you forward.

In every case, it is not the weather — or the feedback — that matters most, but whether you are ready to embrace it.

When we accept feedback the way we accept a change in weather, we create more choice, more resilience, and more opportunity to grow.

Choosing How to View the Weather

Rain, for example, might be annoying for those who have washing on the line but exactly what the garden needs. Sunshine, might be annoying for farmers faced with drought but an absolute joy for Melbournian’s at the end of a long wet winter.

For me, the rain often gives me permission to slow down, to snuggle up and to sit in the present moment. But it also has the ability to ignite a little mischief, to encourage me to put my boots on and go splash in puddles (which I still do).

I find that I have the choice on how I view the weather in any given day and then how I’d like to respond to it!

How Feedback is Just Like the Weather

I can’t help but see the similarities between weather and feedback. Feedback is often portrayed as a bad thing, like the rain, even though the feedback is exactly what is needed. If we’re doing something that is preventing us from succeeding, it is feedback that can bring a little relief. And while sometimes inconvenient, particularly if you’re not wearing a raincoat, it can bring you back to life and in some cases, completely transform your environment and the perspectives of those who rely on you.

Why Feedback Helps Us Grow

It is feedback that helps us to stay fresh, both in the way we work and the results we produce but also in how we behave and interact with others.

Feedback helps us to see different perspectives and the impact we have on the broader environment. If we’re not given feedback, how do we know how and where to improve? How do we know that improving is even an option?

Choosing Your Response to Feedback

Just as you would prepare for different weather conditions, you can prepare yourself to handle both positive and challenging feedback with more ease and confidence. Here are some simple ways to stay ready, whatever comes your way:

When Feedback is Challenging (The Rain and Storms)

• Pack your raincoat – Expect that some feedback might feel uncomfortable. Preparation helps you stay steady rather than defensive.
• Pause before reacting – Like checking the weather before stepping outside, take a moment to absorb what has been said before responding.
• Look for what is useful – Even in a heavy storm, there is water that nourishes the ground. Find the part of the feedback that can help you grow.
• Adjust your mindset, not the weather – You cannot control the tone or timing of feedback, but you can choose how you view and use it.

When Feedback is Positive (The Sunshine)

• Celebrate the sunshine – Acknowledge positive feedback fully. Let it reinforce your confidence and highlight what is working well.
• Stay grounded – Enjoy the good weather, but stay open to ongoing learning. Sunshine today does not mean storms will not come tomorrow.

Handling both good and bad feedback with this kind of readiness helps you stay open, resilient, and better prepared for whatever comes your way.

So, the next time you’re presented with feedback (good or bad), take a moment to decide how you want to respond. Then put your raincoat on and have a little fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when people say feedback is like the weather?

Feedback is like the weather because it is natural, often unpredictable, and essential for growth. Just like rain or sunshine is not good or bad in itself, feedback is neutral — it is our preparation, attitude, and response that make the real difference. 

When we accept feedback the way we accept changes in weather, we create more choice, more resilience, and more opportunity to grow.

How can I prepare myself to handle negative feedback better?

You can prepare for negative feedback the same way you would prepare for rainy weather — by packing your raincoat. 

Expect that some feedback might feel uncomfortable. Take a moment to pause before reacting, find the part that is useful for your growth, and remember you can always adjust your mindset even if you cannot change the situation. Being ready helps you stay steady rather than defensive.

What should I do after receiving positive feedback?

When you receive positive feedback — the sunshine — take a moment to celebrate it. Let it reinforce your confidence and highlight what is working well. 

At the same time, stay grounded and open to ongoing learning. Sunshine today does not mean storms will not come tomorrow, so it is important to enjoy the good weather while continuing to grow.

How can feedback help me grow in my career or personal life?

Feedback keeps you fresh, both in the way you work and the results you produce, as well as in how you behave and interact with others. It allows you to see different perspectives and recognise the impact you have on your environment. Without feedback, it is difficult to know where or how to improve — or even to see that improvement is an option.

What mindset should I have when receiving feedback?

Approach feedback with the mindset that it is not the event itself that matters, but how you choose to respond. Like the weather, feedback can vary — gentle advice, tough criticism, or positive encouragement — but every type has something valuable to offer if you are prepared to embrace it. Accept feedback as part of growth and opportunity, not as something to resist or fear.

About Shelley Flett

Shelley Flett is an expert in leadership development and team performance. With over a decade of experience in customer service and operations across banking & telecommunications she is focused on maximising efficiency and building high performance team cultures. As author of The Direction Dilemma & The Dynamic Leader Shelley works with leaders and business owners across a variety of industries to break through their challenges and help them progress.

If you’d like to have a chat about how Shelley can support you please click on this link to Shelley’s Essemy profile.

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