The Power of Constructive Feedback: Navigating Past Unease
Feedback.
If hearing this word makes you feel, at best, uneasy, you are not alone. There are a couple of reasons to explain why this happens:
Past Experience: We've all been there - a vague critique, a poorly explained suggestion, or even a harsh comment that left us scratching our heads. Such experiences make the very idea of feedback a landmine of uncertainty, filled with the potential to derail our confidence and hard work.
Fear of the Unknown: Human nature leads us to gravitate towards the familiar and shy away from the unfamiliar. When feedback enters the scene, it often brings with it a sense of ambiguity. What will they say? Will it be positive or negative? This fear of the unknown can trigger discomfort and anxiety.
Feedback, in the workplace, refers to communication from others about our performance. The risks are high when feedback lacks clarity or is delivered inconsistently. As a leader in your company, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are clear and consistent. When feedback is constructive and well-structured, it transforms from a source of unease into a powerful tool for growth.
Unfortunately, many of us cannot draw on our past experiences to paint a rosy picture of feedback's impact. According to a survey by Harvard Business Review, a significant 69% of employees claimed that they would work harder if they felt their efforts were better recognized. Furthermore, Gallup's research showed that employees who received strengths-based feedback had turnover rates that were 14.9% lower than for employees who received no feedback.
Constructive feedback doesn't just benefit employees; it's an essential driver of company success. Deloitte's Global Human Capital Trends report revealed that organizations that regularly incorporate feedback into their culture exhibit 3.3 times the average year-over-year improvement in organizational performance metrics compared to those that don't.
As a leader, here's how you can harness the power of feedback:
Clear Communication: Providing feedback is a skill that requires finesse. When delivering feedback, be specific about what was done well and what areas need improvement. Vague statements like "Good job!" or "You need to improve" don't provide any actionable guidance.
Consistency: Consistency builds trust. Ensure that feedback is given regularly, not just during annual performance reviews. This fosters an environment where growth is an ongoing process, not a sporadic event.
Growth Mindset: Cultivate a culture where feedback is viewed as a stepping stone towards improvement. Encourage your team to embrace challenges and view feedback as a chance to learn and evolve.
Two-Way Street: Constructive feedback should not be a monologue. Encourage employees to share their thoughts as well. This fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual respect.
In a world where the pace of change is rapid, the ability to adapt and evolve is crucial. Constructive feedback acts as a compass, guiding us toward growth and excellence. By infusing clarity, consistency, and a growth mindset into your feedback culture, you pave the way for a workplace where unease is replaced by anticipation—a powerful transformation that fuels progress and success.