Feedback culture

Feedback Culture: Appreciative Communication as a Success Factor

Working in a team has become essential in modern companies. To ensure that this type of work organisation runs smoothly, the feedback culture within the company is a crucial factor. Therefore, this article will show you what is meant by feedback culture, what an appreciative feedback culture is, and how to implement it in the company.

What is meant by feedback culture?

The feedback culture describes the framework in which feedback conversations are held within a company. In some companies, these conversations are seen as mere formalities, while in others, they are a central part of the company culture. Feedback conversations provide the team with an opportunity to continuously improve and clarify conflicts or misunderstandings. Not only do employees receive feedback on their performance in the company, but leaders also get to reflect on areas where dissatisfaction exists or how they can improve. To make these conversations as productive as possible, it is important to establish a positive culture regarding feedback within the company. 

What is an appreciative feedback culture?

An appreciative feedback culture is characterised by a positive perspective on feedback and, above all, on responses to mistakes. Central to this are appreciative communication and constructive rules that guide how feedback should be given. The aim is to learn as much as possible from mistakes and to view negative criticism as an opportunity for improvement. 

This type of feedback culture brings several advantages: 

• Promotion of employee development

• Open and constructive communication about mistakes and problems within the team

• Stronger trust within the workforce and towards supervisors

• Faster processes and solution finding

• Conflict prevention

• Improved collaboration between all levels and teams within the company

  
  

How to establish an appreciative feedback culture?

To build an appreciative feedback culture in a company, it is helpful to keep the following tips in mind:

1. Regular conversations: Schedule a meeting once a week for smaller feedback rounds, rather than holding larger feedback conversations only 1-2 times a year.

2. Stay constructive: Formulate your feedback objectively and in a way that is helpful to your counterpart. Evaluate the work and not the person.

3. Give praise: Purely negative feedback can quickly be discouraging, so be sure to mention positive aspects as well.

4. Give & take: Feedback should not only be given but also

accepted.

5. Time for questions: There should be enough time for all parties to ask questions and reflect on the feedback.

6. Stay factual: Emotional impressions and reactions are out of place in a feedback round. Constructiveness and neutrality should be the focus. 

   
   

Conclusion 

Nowadays, a functioning feedback culture in a company is essential. Anyone striving for continuous development and a positive work environment should ensure that a functioning feedback system is implemented. When feedback is perceived as something positive by everyone, it helps to correct mistakes more quickly and to use them as a learning opportunity, preventing the company from stagnating. This not only offers financial benefits but also aids employees in their career development. The goal should therefore be to establish an appreciative culture where both employees and supervisors feel comfortable sharing feedback with each other.