Great teams thrive on feedback, and use it as a building block rather than an obstacle.
Why do we need feedback?
Feedback is necessary in a world with complex problems. It allows ideas to be formed through collective intelligence gathering, and challenges any biases that may have been formed in the creation process.
Everyone comes to work with their own experiences and biases which can be common decision making pitfalls, but feedback helps to break us out of these common problematic thought patterns.
When you create an environment that’s build around psychological safety, you create an environment where everyone can share ideas freely, engage in candid feedback and learn from others.
Get in touch!
Why is giving and receiving feedback so difficult?
By receiving feedback on what we’re doing well and what we could be doing better, we’re opening ourselves up to criticism. We’re making ourselves vulnerable to our peers and admitting that we’re not perfect. No one believes they’re flawless, but exposing this in front of colleagues and leaders, it often makes us uncomfortable and defensive. We also tend to exaggerate the stakes attached to the mistakes we make.
When giving feedback, we’re put into a position where we might hurt someone’s feelings or potential have someone retaliate.
Simple rules for giving & receiving feedback
Giving Feedback:
1. Be specific, clear and honest
2. Give both negative and positive feedback
3. If you find a problem, try suggesting a solution
4. Critique the idea not the person
Receiving Feedback:
1. Say thank you after receiving feedback
2. Don’t be defensive
3. Ask for feedback and make it easy to give
4. Clarify feedback so that they know it’s landed with you