Tags: Trust; Leadership; Communication; Poor Performance Behaviour; Limiting Behaviour; Reflection; Retrospective Reflection; The Power of Questions; C-Model; Safety Vs Threat; Performance Feedback; Dealing with Conflict; Affect Vs Effect
The Power of High Performance Feedback: Influencing People, Teams, and Systems
Performance is built on deliberate practice and purposeful feedback. Do we think about how best to offer feedback and are we aware of the potential pitfalls and cost if done poorly?
Over 20 years of #coaching in various forms I have thought a lot about #feedback. For me, how we use feedback and how it can influence at multiple levels both directly and indirectly can be hugely powerful and/or dangerous. Recognising this requires us to be considered and cautious when offering it.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, feedback has become an essential tool for personal and professional growth. The impact of our words and behaviours on others, our teams, and the entire system is profound. When harnessed effectively, high-performance feedback has the potential to drive remarkable success and foster a culture of continuous improvement. However, delivering feedback is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires a combination of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, making it a skill that can be developed and mastered over time. In this blog, we will explore the transformative power of high-performance feedback and how it can contribute to individual and collective excellence.
- The Art of Giving Feedback:
Providing feedback is an art that demands tact, empathy, and clarity. It goes beyond mere criticism or praise; it is about helping others grow and develop. High-performance feedback involves understanding the impact of our words and behaviors on others and using that insight to deliver feedback constructively. By honing our self-awareness, we can deliver feedback that is specific, actionable, and tailored to the needs of the individual or team. - The Value of Receiving Feedback:
Just as giving feedback is important, receiving feedback with an open mind is equally crucial. Accepting feedback gracefully and using it as a catalyst for improvement can be a game-changer. Cultivating emotional intelligence enables us to handle feedback without becoming defensive or discouraged. Instead, we can view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Embracing feedback empowers us to uncover blind spots, challenge our assumptions, and elevate our performance. - Feedback as a Driver of High Performance:
When feedback becomes an integral part of an organization’s culture, it becomes a powerful driver of high performance. Regular feedback loops foster a culture of continuous improvement and growth mindset. It encourages individuals and teams to strive for excellence, while also providing the necessary support and guidance. Constructive feedback creates a safe space for experimentation, innovation, and collaboration, enabling organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. - Developing the Skill of Feedback:
The ability to give and receive feedback is not innate; it is a skill that can be developed and refined. Building self-awareness and emotional intelligence are foundational steps in this journey. Organizations can support their employees in mastering this skill by providing training, mentorship, and creating a feedback-friendly environment. By investing in feedback as a core competency, organizations empower their employees to reach their full potential and drive collective success. - The Ripple Effect of High Performance Feedback:
The influence of high-performance feedback extends far beyond individuals and teams. It has a ripple effect that permeates the entire system. When individuals feel heard, valued, and supported, they become more engaged and motivated. This, in turn, leads to enhanced teamwork, innovation, and organizational success. By harnessing the power of feedback, organizations can create a positive feedback loop that fuels continuous improvement, amplifies performance, and drives sustainable success.
In a world where continuous learning and adaptation are paramount, high-performance feedback stands as a catalyst for growth and success. By recognizing the impact of our words and behaviors, and developing the skills of giving and receiving feedback, we unlock the transformative potential within ourselves and those around us. It is through the power of feedback that individuals, teams, and organizations can achieve high performance, foster innovation, and create a culture of excellence. Embrace the art of feedback, and witness the remarkable difference it can make in your journey towards success.
🧐 Would you say you contribute to a culture of performance feedback? If so, how?
🧐 How purposeful is the feedback that is offered in your context and have you thought about the unintended consequences?
🧐 Have you ever used feedback to indirectly influence someone else? If yes, in influencing them, have you also implicitly had an influence on the team or organisation?
🧐 How do you react when feedback doesn’t feel authentic?
🧐 Does it feel safe to ask for feedback, if not, when or where would you be most likely to seek it out?
🧐 Would you give feedback to someone before asking their permission?