Feedback is a gift
Feedback is the most important and underrated aspect of work. We often don’t get enough feedback from our leaders, colleagues or direct reports. Why?
Because feedback is hard. It’s hard to give, and it’s hard to receive.
Leaders who have set high standards of excellence may lose sight of when to give positive feedback to an employee for a job well done. Or, they may not believe in delivering praise for employees meeting the requisite expectations of their roles. (I have been guilty of this.)
And some can’t stomach handing out criticism no matter how warranted or necessary it is to bring derailed employees back on track.
A leader’s most important duties are guiding the growth and development of employees, helping them sharpen their skills and coaching them to success. But they also must address missteps, inconsistencies and deficiencies in performance.
Leaders must step up and lean into delivering feedback as a gift to their employees. They must give it generously and with good intent.
Feedback is an act of kindness.
What Mellody Hobson, president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, said about feedback during a podcast interview stuck with me.
Takeaway #1: Feedback is critical to career success. Instead of avoiding it, we should desire it and be grateful to receive it, like a birthday gift from someone who cares about us.
Takeaway #2: Don’t dismiss constructive feedback. It can be challenging for employees to face criticism of their work, but a leader’s most important responsibility is to set a clear path to success and coach their employees toward it. A leader is ineffective if they fail in this critical area. Just as you must cheer your players when they win big, you must also guide them through missteps.
Takeaway #3: Feedback requires self-reflection. Feedback is not a personal attack when given consistently with candor and compassion. Feedback is used to either bolster confidence or course-correct. But understanding that intent requires us to look inward. Focusing attention on the “why” of the message (vs. “who” or “how” it’s being given) is essential if we are to truly accept feedback and its role in helping us succeed.
When given using radical candor, feedback is the ultimate gesture of goodwill a leader can offer direct reports. You lend a fresh perspective on your employees’ work, highlighting aspects they might not have noticed.
Feedback helps individuals better understand their strengths hs and areas for improvement. Feedback, delivered thoughtfully, thoroughly and consistently, serves as fuel to propel ambitious, motivated employees to drive their careers toward greater success.
How do you know you’re doing well if you don’t get feedback? How will you know if you’re reaching your organization’s goals and objectives? Or that you need to make a correction on a project?
“We have this really great coach at Ariel. And one of the things that he told me was that feedback was not a right; you’re not entitled to it. so whenever you get it, it’s a gift. And you have to treat it that way. … if someone calls you a horse’s ass, the first time you might say, “OK.” The second time, you might say, “I’m going to think about it.” The third time they call you a horse’s ass, buy a saddle.”
A feedback-rich environment is crucial.
How do you create a feedback-rich environment? Start by opening your heart and your mind to receiving feedback. Take the temperature of employees on your performance.
Once, a direct report unleashed their frustration at being unable to access me. At the time, I juggled three roles (assistant director, interim CCO, and web strategist). But that was no excuse. The employee didn’t feel they could reach me – and, therefore, connect with me on their projects. Did it sting to hear criticism? You bet. However, I pushed my personal feelings aside and allowed myself to be fully open to receive the critique and explore ways to improve and mend our relationship.
Feedback fuels career success.
Feedback is a cornerstone of career success. Without it, you will inevitably fail. Whether you are a young professional or an experienced employee, you benefit significantly from effective feedback.
Feedback facilitates self-awareness, fosters better communication and collaboration, and empowers individuals to adapt and grow professionally. Give it as a gift to your employees and receive it as such when it is given to you.
More words of wisdom
Additional takeaways on feedback from Mellody Hobson:
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“You should be willing to accept feedback from anyone, whether you like or respect them. It shouldn’t have to be packaged carefully.”
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“If you start to get feedback that’s repetitive, see what you need to work on.”
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“Accept feedback in a way that you will be offered it again.”