I’m in the process of writing my new book, Feedback Fitness, and reaching out to people across different industries and interviewing them about their thoughts and experiences on feedback in the workplace.
Last week I was lucky enough to interview a self-made multi-millionaire. He started his company on his own, from scratch and was in Australia’s top 100 private companies of 2022, with a revenue last year of well over $600 million. I was curious to find out how a successful business person thinks about feedback, so I rang him! We spoke on the phone for half an hour. He wishes to remain anonymous and was generous in his time and insights. Enjoy this summary of his words of wisdom:
I always offer honest feedback, but it takes time to develop the skills.
I read a lot of books on the best way to lead people.
Developing feedback skills doesn’t happen overnight.
Treat people with respect and look them in the eye when you offer feedback.
If I have people who are not performing as well as I want them to, I sit them down and we talk it through. Being a large company, we talk about them moving to a different role that might better suit their skillset.
Always acknowledge things people do well.
If you can’t talk with your employees openly and honestly – it’s not going to work.
Be confident in your own mind about the feedback you are going to give – but keep in mind YOU can be wrong.
Be aware that some people don’t listen to the feedback you offer them.
I always ask for feedback; I ask a lot of questions.
Always listen to people – leaders learn along the way, and we can always do better.
I once received feedback from a long-term employee who said "You have changed. You used to come in and see us first thing every morning, and now you don’t, you just go straight to your office". I listened to him, and he was right. I wasn’t deliberately avoiding them, I was just unaware of how important it was to them that I checked in with them every morning. As the business was becoming more successful, I was getting busier and busier, and I would rush into my office with a million things on my mind. I took his feedback on board and make a point of saying good morning to everyone every day, no matter how busy I am.
We all make mistakes. Make them, fix them and learn from them.
Don’t look back, you are wasting your time.
When you make a mistake, be open to feedback if you want to improve – it’s that simple.
Each Friday night I reflect on the week, and I have two columns in my diary where I write:
What have I done well this week?
What could I have done better this week?
People’s egos!
At the end of our conversation, he wished me well with the book writing and asked for a signed copy so he can learn how he can improve his feedback skills (says it all doesn’t it!) I’m incredibly grateful for his time and hope there is some wisdom for you to apply as you think about your feedback conversations.