Feedback! Meaningful Feedback!

 The Spice Girls say it best …I’ll tell you what I want what I really really want!   So tell me what you want what you really really want…

Feedback!  Meaningful feedback!  The kind that helps individuals learn, grow, and do their jobs better.  According to Gallup, feedback unlocks the door to improving productivity and performance.

Gallup discovered in a recent study that among nearly 15,000 employees surveyed, only 16% said the last conversation with their manager was meaningful.

What, exactly, is a meaningful conversation?

The top 5 characteristics of meaningful conversations are:

“People want purpose and meaning from their work. They want to be known for what they’re good at.”

1.   Recognition or appreciation for recent work.  It must be timely, sincere, and specific.  “The report you shared is very helpful in leading us to understand what the customers need from us” vs. “Great job today!”

2.   Public or Private?  Just how well do you know your employee?  Some folks appreciate public recognition.  Others prefer not to have the public attention.

3.  Clarity of work expectations has been slipping, especially for younger workers.  People want/need to understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture (Goals, Vision, and Mission). 

4.  Conversation length – between 15-30 minutes is enough time for a meaningful conversation, but only if it happens frequently (weekly).  In fact, 15-30 minute conversations have a greater impact than longer discussions if they occur regularly.

5.  Strengths.  Much more meaningful discussions occur when the conversations are based on what he/she does best.

The takeaway is that feedback is meaningful when a leader focuses on recognition, collaboration, goals and priorities, and strengths.  And if these conversations happen weekly, they can be brief.  Problems and challenges will arise which will need to be addressed, but to build a strong relationship and improve engagement, frequent conversations that inspire each individual is key.

If you wannabe my leader, don’t tell me what I want what I really really want … let’s talk about it!     

Gallup, Inc is an American analytics and advisory company based in Washington D.C.  Founded in 1935, the company is known for its public opinion polls that are conducted worldwide.