By Gaurav Sharma, founder and CEO of Attrock, a results-driven digital marketing company he grew…
The Benefits of Feedback in the Workplace: Understand How to Repeat Success and Learn From Failure
Hey there, workplace superheroes! Are you ready to embark on a journey to greatness by exploring the importance of feedback in the workplace?
Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive headfirst into the world of radically candid feedback in the workplace — the secret sauce to building a thriving team everyone wants to be a part of.
The Importance of Feedback in the Workplace
Picture this: You’re at work, grinding away at your latest project, when suddenly, out of the blue, your boss swoops in with some impromptu, immediate feedback.
Now, before you start sweating bullets and feeling like you’re about to pass out, take a deep breath. Because here’s the thing: feedback in the workplace is not the enemy — it’s your greatest ally.
Let’s break down how feedback in the workplace benefits everyone and everything, including the bottom line.
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Feedback In the Workplace Boosts Employee Engagement
Ever feel like you’re shouting into the void at work? Well, adopting feedback in the workplace is like turning up the volume on your voice.
It’s about creating a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and appreciated. When employees know that their opinions matter, they’re more likely to feel engaged and invested in their work.
And while it should be obvious why employee engagement matters, putting a dollar amount on it can drive home the point.
According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workforce report, low employee engagement costs the global economy US$8.8 trillion. How much of that is coming out of your pocket?
Feedback In the Workplace Fuels Employee Retention
Ain’t nobody got time for high turnover rates! Feedback is like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day — it makes people feel understood and appreciated.
When employees receive regular feedback from leadership, they’re more likely to stick around for the long haul, leading to greater stability and continuity within the team.
The folks at work who are the most vocal about the importance of feedback in the workplace are Gen Zers. This generation isn’t afraid to ask for what they want and they’re not going to stick around a toxic workplace that cultivates a culture of ambivalence and passive-aggressive behavior.
According to a study from Deloitte, “Gen Zers who feel cared for at work are 3.3x more likely to look forward to coming to work and are less likely to have plans to leave their job.”
Feedback In the Workplace Ignites Job Satisfaction
Imagine a world where every day at work feels like a walk in the park. Well, with feedback, that dream can become a reality.
Effective feedback in the workplace is like a pat on the back or a high-five from your favorite coworker. It’s about recognizing achievements and helping your team grow and develop in their roles.
If you know what good work looks like and you’re able to repeat success and learn from mistakes, you’re going to be happier at your job.
You can only get this information if you’re receiving regular feedback in the workplace from peers, managers, and direct reports. Otherwise, you’re just guessing. And unless guessing is your job, it’s not an effective strategy to get ahead in your career.
But hey, we get it — giving and receiving feedback can be scary stuff. That’s where Radical Candor comes in to save the day! Developed by Kim Scott, Radical Candor is like the unicorn of workplace communication.
Why Radical Candor Matters
Imagine this: You’re at work, surrounded by colleagues, all navigating the maze of tasks and projects. But wait, something’s different. The air is charged with a sense of kindness and clarity. That, my friends, is the magic of Radical Candor at play.
Radical Candor is not just a framework for improving communication in the workplace; it’s a game-changer. It’s about Caring Personally while Challenging Directly — a delicate dance that can transform a rigid command-and-control culture into one of vibrant collaboration.
“The concepts of Care Personally and Challenge Directly are two things that I have learned to value, and Radical Candor requires me to stay aligned with those values,” Radical Candor CEO and Co-founder Jason Rosoff says. “Radical Candor has helped me develop the skills necessary for dealing with conflict.”
OK, maybe you live in a magical world without conflict and you’re wondering, “Why should I care about this Radical Candor thing?”
Well, my fellow feedback workplace enthusiast, let me break it down for you.
Radical Candor Boosts Team Collaboration
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Ever been stuck in a project where communication felt like a one-way street? Radical Candor turns that street into a bustling intersection of ideas and collaboration.
When team members care personally about each other’s success and aren’t afraid to challenge directly, magic happens.
Tired of the old-school, top-down management style? It’s time to break free from command-and-control shackles. Radical Candor liberates you from those shackles.
It’s about putting the right people in the right roles and allowing your team to soar to new heights without the burden of micromanagement.
It Unleashes the Power of a Feedback-First Culture
Feedback is the heartbeat of Radical Candor. It’s not just about praising or criticizing; it’s about fostering a culture of feedback and an environment where feedback flows freely up, down, and sideways.
Imagine a workplace where everyone is constantly moving in the same direction, fueled by the power of kind, clear, specific, and sincere feedback.
So, how do you embark on this journey to workplace bliss with Radical Candor? It’s simpler than you think!
It Allows You to Embrace Personal Connections
Work isn’t just about tasks and deadlines; it’s about the people. In fact, it’s more about people than anything else. One’s ability to build strong work relationships determines the quality of output, team retention, and everything that follows.
As Radical Candor author and co-founder Kim Scott says, “Let me be clear. I refuse to work with people who can’t be bothered to show basic human decency,”
Radical Candor encourages you to care personally about your colleagues. It’s not just about the work they do but also about who they are as individuals.
You Learn to Master the Art of Direct Challenges
Ever held back from expressing a brilliant idea because you feared it might ruffle some feathers? Radical Candor teaches you how to challenge directly without stepping on toes when giving feedback in the workplace.
It’s about creating an environment where differing opinions are not just welcomed but celebrated.
The secret ingredient to Radical Candor’s success is fast, regular feedback. Make it a part of your daily routine like brushing and flossing.
Offer specific and sincere praise when warranted, and don’t shy away from clear and kind criticism when improvement is needed.
But What About My Team’s Success?
@radicalcandorofficial pov: you love your job #Meme #MemeCut #RadicalCandor #WorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceHumor #worklife #Meme #MemeCut ♬ original sound – Radical Candor
By caring personally and challenging directly, you’re not just building a team — you’re building a powerhouse of innovation, collaboration, and, most importantly, success.
Individuals, teams, and organizations who adopt the principles of Radical Candor understand the importance of feedback in the workplace.
They understand that telling people kind things they’d be better off knowing and pointing out the specifics of their success so others can replicate it is the salve that greases the wheels of high-performing teams.
A software company that adopted Radical Candor detailed their success like this:
By embracing spontaneous feedback, we turbocharge our agility. We pinpoint problems swiftly and mentor with precision.
In code reviews, we don’t just flag errors; we dissect why and how to improve. Every mistake becomes a chance to grow and educate.
Our code reviews double as mentoring sessions, a rarity in the industry. Even interns elevate the code of our veterans—an unprecedented feat.”
So, how do you become a feedback rockstar? It’s simple:
Set the Stage for Success
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Create a culture where feedback is not only encouraged but also celebrated.
Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
If you’re not sure where to get started with feedback in the workplace, you can download our free guide for rolling out Radical Candor or check out how feedback workshops can help.
Lead by Example
Practice what you preach. Be the change you want to see in the world (or at least in your workplace).
Show your team that you’re open to feedback by actively seeking it out and incorporating it into your work.
Remember, you have to get it before you give it.
Embrace the Awkward
Let’s face it — giving and receiving feedback can be awkward at times. But that’s OK! Embrace the awkwardness and lean into it.
Remember, both positive and negative feedback are a gift, even if they come wrapped in a slightly uncomfortable package.
So, are you ready to unleash the power of feedback in your workplace? It’s time to take the leap and embark on a journey of growth, development, and success.
Your team’s future is bright, and feedback is the key to unlocking its full potential. Let’s do this!
*We trained ChatGPT and the Radical Candor AI bot to help write this post about the importance of feedback in the workplace! (It was co-written, researched, edited, and designed by a real person.)
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If you understand the importance of feedback in the workplace, then you need The Feedback Loop (think Groundhog Day meets The Office), a 5-episode workplace comedy series starring David Alan Grier that brings to life Radical Candor’s simple framework for navigating candid conversations.
We’re offering Radical Candor readers 10% off the self-paced e-course. Follow this link and enter the promo code FEEDBACK at checkout.
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