As a manager, what's one specific way you've fostered a strong feedback culture within your team?

Question

Cultivating a robust feedback culture is crucial for team development, and we've gathered insights from eight leaders, including CEOs and founders, to learn their strategies. From introducing 'Feedback Fridays' for growth to establishing regular one-on-one feedback sessions, discover the specific ways managers have successfully fostered open communication within their teams.

Khurram Mir · Answer

At Kualitee, we instituted 'Feedback Fridays.' It's a time for open talks. Team members give insights, suggestions, worries. It happens in a supportive space. We value feedback for growth. This practice builds trust. Our processes get better continuously. Everyone feels heard and valued, and as a result, team unity and output increase.

Jamie Frew · Answer

We consider employees our internal customers. Each team member's perspective is essential for continuous improvement, just like customer feedback is for our services. We actively solicit their input on workflows, communication, and overall experience. Our commitment extends to creating solutions—both quick fixes and long-term plans—to ensure employee well-being and satisfaction. This focus on listening has demonstrably cultivated a thriving work culture built on openness, collaboration, and a shared passion for our mission.

Alari Aho · Answer

In my role at our company, fostering a culture of open and constructive feedback has been pivotal to our growth and innovation. Here's how we've nurtured this culture across our global team:
Post-Mortem Analysis Sessions: After the completion of significant projects or the occurrence of notable challenges, we conduct post-mortem analysis sessions. These sessions are dedicated to unpacking what went well and what didn't, in a no-blame atmosphere. Everyone involved in the project is encouraged to contribute their feedback, fostering a learning culture where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth and improvement. This process not only highlights areas for improvement but also celebrates the successes, ensuring that the team feels valued and motivated to continue innovating and pushing boundaries.

Jared Stern · Answer

We implemented regular 1-hour check-ins. These weekly sessions provide a dedicated time for every team member to share feedback and discuss their progress, challenges, and insights. This practice encourages open communication and ensures that feedback is both timely and relevant.
During these check-ins, we focus on giving specific, actionable feedback. This means clearly outlining what has been done well and what could be improved, focusing on behaviors and outcomes rather than personal attributes. By doing so, we create a constructive environment where feedback is seen as a tool for personal and professional growth rather than criticism.
I personally lead by example by actively seeking feedback on my actions and decisions. This demonstrates to the team that feedback is a valuable part of our continuous improvement culture, not just a formality. It also helps establish a two-way communication channel where feedback flows freely and is used effectively to drive positive changes across our organization.

Yemisi Iyilade · Answer

One specific way I have inspired a strong feedback culture within my teams is by creating a safe and inclusive space for open communication and building trust. I encourage team members to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment.
During conversations, I listen actively to their feedback and, by acknowledging their perspectives, I have built a foundation of trust and rapport, which has been instrumental in cultivating a culture of open dialogue and collaboration.
This approach allows individuals to receive recognition for their contributions but also provides valuable insights for improvement. There are also regular feedback sessions where team members are encouraged to provide both positive and constructive feedback to one another.
By fostering an environment where feedback is viewed as a catalyst for growth rather than criticism, team members feel empowered to share their thoughts and ideas, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and high-performing team.

Abid Salahi · Answer

As the CEO of a tech company, I've fostered a strong feedback culture within our team through an initiative called 'Progressive Panels.' This is a dedicated time every quarter where each department shares their completed projects and future goals. Subsequently, every team member provides input, encouragement, and constructive critiques. This encourages comprehensive understanding across different sectors of our business, fostering a strong culture of mutual respect, open dialogue, and inclusive growth.

Cache Merrill · Answer

At Zibtek, fostering a strong feedback culture within my team has been a priority, and one specific way I've achieved this is by institutionalizing 'Continuous Feedback' as a part of our daily operations. This practice goes beyond the traditional annual review cycles and incorporates regular, real-time feedback into our workflow.
We have established a routine of frequent one-on-one meetings between team members and their managers. These are informal discussions that allow for the exchange of feedback related to current projects and day-to-day tasks. This regularity ensures that feedback is timely and relevant, allowing team members to adjust quickly and effectively.
Feedback is not an isolated activity but is integrated into our daily stand-ups and project debrief sessions. This approach encourages a culture of open communication and continuous improvement, where feedback is seen as constructive and integral to professional growth and project success.
To support this culture, we provide our managers and team members with training on how to give and receive feedback constructively. This includes workshops on communication skills, conflict resolution, and how to provide actionable insights.
We leverage tools that facilitate feedback collection and dissemination, such as performance management software that allows team members to give and receive feedback anonymously. This technology supports a more open and honest communication channel without the pressure of direct confrontation.
Implementing these practices has led to a more dynamic and responsive team environment. Team members feel more engaged because they know that their opinions are valued and that they have a direct impact on the team's operations and success. It has also helped in identifying and resolving issues much faster, improving overall productivity and job satisfaction.
By maintaining these feedback mechanisms, we ensure that our team not only performs well but also grows continuously, adapting to new challenges and exceeding expectations.

Aseem Jha · Answer

One specific way I've fostered a strong feedback culture within my team is by implementing regular one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their performance, development goals, and any challenges they may be facing.
A real-life example of this occurred when I noticed a decline in team morale and productivity due to a lack of open communication and constructive feedback.
I introduced bi-weekly one-on-one meetings to provide a dedicated space for team members to express their concerns, share ideas, and receive personalized feedback.
These meetings allowed me to build trust and rapport with each team member, address any issues proactively, and provide timely guidance and support.
By prioritizing individualized feedback and creating a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue, I was able to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability within the team.

Hunter Garnett · Answer

To foster a strong feedback culture within my team, I've implemented regular one-on-one feedback sessions. These sessions serve as dedicated times for team members to discuss their goals, progress, challenges, and areas for improvement in a supportive environment. Before each meeting, I provide a clear agenda outlining the topics we will cover, ensuring both parties come prepared. During the meeting, I practice active listening, allowing team members to express themselves fully while offering constructive feedback based on observations, metrics, and peer input. 
These sessions are also an opportunity for team members to provide feedback to me, fostering a two-way dialogue and creating a culture of open communication. Together, we establish actionable goals and action plans to address areas for improvement and capitalize on strengths, setting clear expectations for follow-up and accountability. By providing ongoing support and monitoring progress between sessions, I emphasize that feedback is an ongoing process and encourage continuous improvement and mutual respect within the team.

What Methods Foster a Strong Feedback Culture in a Team?

What Methods Foster a Strong Feedback Culture in a Team?

Introduce 'Feedback Fridays' for Growth

Solicit Input for Continuous Improvement

Conduct Post-Mortem Analysis Sessions

Implement Weekly One-on-One Check-Ins

Create Safe Spaces for Open Dialogue

Launch 'Progressive Panels' for Cross-Team Feedback

Institutionalize Daily 'Continuous Feedback'

Personalize Engagement with Bi-Weekly Meetings

Establish Regular One-on-One Feedback Sessions