Creating a Feedback Culture
Feedback culture is a familiar buzz phrase in the working environment, yet many of us still shy away from having difficult conversations. A feedback culture allows employees to share feedback, good or bad, with anyone in the organization, regardless of the position they hold. When in practice, this system creates healthy conversations, fosters better working relationships, and provides a better mindset to achieve goals.
If you are starting from ground zero, here are some tips to get the dialogue started:
- Leaders first
- Leaders need to be the champions of this model. Employees who observe their managers strong feedback model are more than likely to do the same.
- Leaders should seek feedback as much as giving it. For example, ask how the team meeting went or what can you do better to make your employee successful.
- Power your team with feedback tools
- Ask if you can give feedback. Make sure the person is ready to receive it.
- Describe the specific behavior. Explain the behavior you saw starting with "When you…"
- Describe the impact of the behavior.
- Discuss future behavior. Start with a question if it's something that needs to be changed or giving a compliment if it's something they should be continuing.
- Start with 1:1's
- Schedule 1:1's or check-ins with your employees on at least a bi-weekly basis
- Share feedback during 1:1's
- These meetings are mostly going to focus on updates but incorporate professional development or any personal discussion if it feels natural.
- Also, encourage your employees to ask or share feedback with others.
- For more tips on effective 1:1's, visit One on One Resources
1:1 meetings allow the manager to set their employee(s) up for success by having big picture discussions about challenges and solutions as well as goals and overall professional development. Make it a routine:
These kinds of conversations will take practice, but keeping this as a priority will establish trust, safety and community within your department.
You might be interested in attending our Creating a Feedback Culture Class. Our next offering is November 2, 2022 via Microsoft Teams from 9:00am till 10:30am CT.
