Establishing a Feedback-rich Culture Makes Any Company Better

Why then are so many companies struggling to foster a culture of feedback?

We believe many managers still lack the skills, knowledge, or courage to provide people with direct, high-quality, and actionable feedback. In turn, these “role-models” then, do not display the behaviors that allow employees to learn about providing actionable feedback to each other. My 4 Ups! Model for effective communication can help you identify the greatest needs for creating a feedback-rich culture in your office.

1. Bring it Up! Does the lack of skill or perceived permission to tackle the tough conversations in REAL ways prevent a feedback-rich culture? Do your managers tend to shy away from confrontation for fear being wrong or mean or avoid conversations all together? If so, help them frame conversations in a way that will build confidence and share how a different mindset can provide them the courage to actually have the conversation.
2. Talk it Up! Do your managers have the expertise to respond calmly when someone gets defensive during feedback? Do they know how to manage their own and others’ emotions such as anger, sadness, or frustration? What if they get interrupted? Do they know how to steer the conversation back on track? If not, help them develop the combination of empathy (to manage emotions) and accountability (to steer towards objectives). Help them learn good questions that can get any conversation refocused on the meeting agenda.
3. Wrap it Up! Do your managers know how best to close discussions so that clear commitments are made and kept? If they don’t fare so well, use practical action plans.
4. Follow it Up! A mark of a great manager is to be clear on expectations and ensure follow-through. Do your managers know how to hold their teams accountable for delivering outcomes, on time and with quality, every time? If not, help your managers become diligent about scheduling follow-up discussions.

Whether working with a colleague or direct report, everyone on your team needs to know how to give and receive constructive feedback. Our Providing Essential Performance Feedback Workshop includes everything you need to help your managers apply the what they learn to their work

In this workshop they will:

• Learn the vocabulary of delivering feedback well
• Know how to ask quality questions to engage two-way conversations
• Practice delivering tough feedback with experiential exercises
• Use practical tools to apply their new skills

What are you waiting for? Let’s talk about how we can help you create a high-performing and engaged culture through effective feedback.

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