Exploiting Feedback to Improve Bottom-Line Performance
5. Feedback is also an important tool for strengthening team dynamics. Working in teams may be challenging at times, especially for those who are accustomed to or more comfortable working solo. However, if a team develops and regularly exercises positive feedback as part of the communication process, members will learn to work together more effectively and productively, and the potential benefits will be endless.
One of the main catalysts for failure or difficulty with the team dynamic is misunderstandings in communication. Such an environment inherently brings together team members with different communication styles, language, and many other factors that may lead to differences in interpreting communication or verbal and non-verbal cues. Ideally, before a team is established, a feedback methodology should be discussed in order to avoid any future miscommunications that may potentially serve to railroad project efforts.
In addition to providing valuable support and direction, the insights offered through both positive and negative feedback can serve as the foundation for a pool of limitless opportunities for improvement ideas as well as constructive ways to build on existing successful outcomes or correct behaviors or processes that are in need of attention or revamping.
Effective and appropriate feedback should be based on honest evaluation and delivered in a timely manner with the intention of communicating beneficial commentary and insight or suggestions that may serve to assist the receiver in achieving more positive outcomes from their efforts over the long term. It is also very important for feedback to be balanced. Balanced feedback is not a one-sided process where managers or supervisors give or receive a pat on the back for a job well done, but rather both the positive and negative elements of a situation need to be discussed.
When the feedback process is carried out appropriately, there are many benefits to be realized, but every effort must be made to ensure that feedback is not used as a means of verbal assault or criticism. Feedback is a valuable tool in building employee confidence, boosting morale, and enhancing the reputation of the business.
Businesses must understand the importance of customer feedback and consider how valuable this information can be as they work to create new or revise existing services and solutions. In addition, staff training should be offered so that employees are capable of giving and receiving feedback in such a way that facilitates and encourages discussion and further development of both the staff and the company as a whole.
Upper-level management must remember that perfection is an unattainable idea, but with effective communication and an appropriately executed feedback process, there is unlimited potential for improvement in all areas of people management and business. Proper use of feedback is undeniably a win-win for both the giver and the receiver.
References:
1. Decker Communications, Inc. has been helping businesses and leaders use communication as a means to achieve success for over 23 years. The company provides coaching and training on effective communication for success and has published many books on the topic.
2. Gray, Rodney. 2004. “How to get your CEO talking (productively) with employees.” Journal of Employee Communication Management (November/December).
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