Inspiring Workplaces: Pointers on More Pointed Feedback

Published: Wed, 04/12/23

Inspiring Workplaces

ISSUE 967 - Apr. 12, 2023


		Pointers on More Pointed Feedback

	I've written often about the need to create a culture where constructive feedback is normalized to the point of becoming routine, even expected. In fact, many workplaces make it an explicit requirement of the job where you are expected to both give and receive feedback. A big mistake many of us do when asking for feedback is to make the ask too general. As in, "Hey Jen, do you have any feedback for me?" The ask is so general, that Jen might respond, "Yeah, you know, when the weatherman said to dress for the 70s, he was referring to the weather, not the 1970s!" Instead, when you ask for feedback from a colleague or customer, make it a specific request. Be clear about what it is you are specifically seeking feedback on, set parameters if you need to, and only ask for feedback on things you can and are willing to change in the future. Framing the question in different ways can also lead to richer insights while making it more comfortable for the person giving the feedback. For example: What is one thing I could do to support you better? What is one thing I/we could start doing to make your life easier? What is one thing I/we could stop doing that would make your life easier? What are you seeing that maybe I'm just not seeing from my vantage point? What do you have against 70s fashion? Do you not think bell bottoms are cool, or what? If you could change one thing about our billing practices, what would it be? I'm not happy about how I ended that presentation, do you have any suggestions on what I could do to strengthen the ending? But seriously, aren't bell bottoms making a comeback?

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Friday, April 14 is International Moment of Laughter Day, so why not take a page from Laughter Clubs around the world and take a one-minute break in a meeting or gather your team for a laugh huddle and practice the art of laughing for no reason. If you've never done it before, yes, it seems a little, well, laughable. But having done it in groups I can attest that it often quickly evolves into real, genuine belly laughter. And even if it doesn't, many of the same benefits attributed to real laughter can be experienced with fake laughter - so, yes, this might be one of those times when "fake it 'til you make it" really can help you feel better.
		Quote of the Week
“I’m struck by how laughter connects you with people. It’s also impossible to sustain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter.” John Cleese

		Funny Business

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