A few weeks ago, I delivered the Feedback Fitness workshop to a group of Leaders. They were a serious bunch, from a serious industry. They wanted to know about the theoretical frameworks behind the Feedback Fitness model. They wanted to know which psychologist, what research, and can they have a copy of the research please? They wanted a structure to ensure their feedback offering conversations were accurate and correct, as well as efficient and effective. I set myself a challenge to get them laughing and lighten up a little.
During a break, one Leader shared her concern with having Warm Up conversations with her team. (the Warm Up conversation is the conversation you have about feedback, without offering any feedback). She stated, ‘My team has never discussed feedback. I really like the idea of the Warm Up conversation where we talk about feedback, without actually offering any, but how can I start talking to my team about feedback without it being awkward and sounding like I’m about to give them negative feedback?’
My response – ‘Make it fun’.
For many people, feedback is perceived as a possible threat. To some feedback feels risky and dangerous to both offer and receive. Part of the solution is to encourage your team to talk about feedback. It’s kind of like Brene Brown’s recommended approach to shame – the more you talk about it, the more its power is reduced. And her approach to emotions – labelling the emotion reduces its power.
Gather your team and use these fifteen questions to have a light-hearted conversation about feedback. As a Leader, you might need to go first 😊
How well did you receive feedback as a teenager?
Have you ever pretended to take on board someone’s feedback, knowing very well you will disregard it as soon as the conversation is over?
What famous person (living or passed) would you like to receive feedback from?
What is the most embarrassing feedback you have received, that at the time was hideous, but makes you laugh now?
What is the most beautiful feedback you have ever been offered?
If you were to stick some feedback for yourself on your fridge door or bathroom mirror, what would it say?
What is the funniest feedback you have ever been offered?
Describe your best feedback receiving moment.
What is one of your favourite things about receiving feedback?
When has feedback made you smile?
If you wrote a best-selling book about feedback, what would the title be?
What online tool or app about feedback do you think needs to be invented?
What is one of your favourite feedback conversations?
What would your closest friend say about how you offer and receive feedback?
What would your family say about how you offer and receive feedback?
I’d love to hear how you go with this.