From Perplexed Expressions to Empowered Designers
From Perplexed Expressions to Empowered Designers
Three tips for regular feedback meetings summarized, packed with wisdom, await you at the glorious finale of this article.
How It Started
As I began implementing regular feedback meetings, I was met with perplexed expressions. My team wasn't accustomed to someone actively seeking their opinions or welcoming constructive criticism during these sessions, so their enthusiasm was, let's say, less than overwhelming.
(Communicating with your team seeks the greatest chance to improve your team's work. Why should we leave out this chance? Be brave. It's worth it.)
Psychologically Safe Space
I needed to ensure a psychologically safe space where team members felt comfortable sharing their thoughts. Which started with a meeting invitation headlined "We need to talk (the good way)."
The meetings were a room where everyone felt valued, respected, and heard. This involved fostering an atmosphere of trust, empathy, and open communication. By actively listening and encouraging each team member to express their opinions without fear of judgment, we cultivated an environment that nurtured growth and collaboration.
Glasses of Needs
To enhance the quality of feedback and facilitate meaningful conversations, I introduced the concept of "Needs Glasses." The participants had to fill virtual glasses labeled with different needs. I usually prioritize the mental health pillars: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. But there were even more and for sure also glasses; the participants could label themselves.
This tool guides the team member well during the session and triggers them to think about different important topics to have a fulfilled work-life, which they might not know before.
By the way, I appreciate the German editorial office's "Neue Narrative" work; they share awesome approaches.
How It Ended
Through these meetings, our team experienced a remarkable transformation. The psychologically safe surrounding became a breeding ground for innovation, creativity, and personal growth. Team members felt empowered to express their thoughts, share ideas, and provide constructive feedback.
Tipps
Cultivate Psychological Safety: Foster an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment. Encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual respect to create a supportive space for collaboration.
Employ Effective Methods: Utilize techniques that encourage participants to think creatively and provide valuable feedback. Guide discussions by using prompts that spark new perspectives and make it easier for team members to share their insights. Avoid generic questions like "Do you have any feedback for me?" and instead, provide specific prompts tailored to the topic at hand.
Embrace Regular Feedback: Don't miss out on the opportunity to regularly seek feedback from your team. Make it a consistent practice to gather insights and ideas from all members, as this fosters a culture of continuous improvement and unlocks your company's greatest potential. Set up mechanisms for ongoing feedback collection, such as scheduled meetings or digital platforms, to ensure a steady flow of valuable input.
Remember, creating a psychologically safe environment, employing effective feedback methods, and embracing regular feedback sessions are key ingredients for nurturing a thriving and innovative team. With these practices in place, your company can unlock its full potential and achieve remarkable growth.
EXTRA TIPP: Wanna know more about the topic? Hire me and experience other tools like feedback speed dating, and personal growth strategies.
Cheers, your smart future coworker Franzi š„
https://www.linkedin.com/in/your-smart-future-coworker/ (recommended)