The Importance of Feedback
Managers worry a lot about giving feedback, and with good reason!
Feedback -- if delivered correctly, has the potential to inspire and motivate. If delivered poorly, it can upset and/or alienate. Giving feedback is an essential part of a leader’s responsibilities. 93% of North American employers cited driving organizational performance as a key objective for performance management yet less than half said they are meeting that objective.
But what are we all doing to receive feedback? Have you ever asked a direct report, “What can I do better as your leader?” “What can we do better as a team?” OR “What can we do better as an organization?” “How can we improve your work area/environment?” Asking these types of questions sends the message that you genuinely care and respect their opinion…especially, when you take action on what is said and give appropriate acknowledgement.
Priming the organization for Feedback can pump up the energy, enthusiasm, empowerment and engagement. Regularly scheduled two-way communication sessions that feed the following will directly or indirectly impact about 75% of the Gallup Q12 questions/statements that, studies have proven, are indicators of a highly engaged employee.
Employees (or associates or team members—whatever fits best) thrive on a well-balanced diet of the following:
Clear expectations.
What am I doing well?
How can I do better?
How can I learn more?
How does my work contribute to the overall organizational goals?
Ask me for my feedback and suggestions.
When interacting with team members at all levels, we continuously hear that Communication is the Number One thing missing for them! When we dig deeper, we better understand what is really missing -- a dialogue. Two-way communications on a regular schedule will quench the thirst – yours and theirs.
Highly engaged teams show 21% higher profitability and 17% higher productivity. TeamBuilding.com But the real reason for these conversations is to show you genuinely care for each team member. The positive results on the bottom line are the icing!