104: How to Use Feedback and Honesty to Build a Successful Business

Feedback--it’s a word that can have scary implications--would you agree? Today’s show is about how to use feedback and honesty to build a thriving business. Often we forget that feedback can have a very positive connotation, and not just the sense of dread when we hear the word.

 

One of the many ways to build and grow a thriving business is to cultivate honest feedback from co-workers, colleagues, and clients. Keeping the lines of communication open is key, even when constructive criticism is necessary, and keep in mind that even constructive criticism can foster a growth environment if done properly.

 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

 

• On your team, give people time to air grievances with no repercussions if you ask for honest feedback
• Feedback allows honesty without mean-spiritedness
• Feedback can create a safety net and even be productive (A Columbia University study gives some further info)
• Feedback can create opportunities to build confidence and skills, thus empowering “your people”
• One key is to give immediate and frequent feedback--don’t wait!
• Be positive and specific in feedback, giving more positive than negative
• In giving negative feedback, follow up with a suggested solution
• Don’t be mean with feedback, but be firm--and be curious about the WHY?
• How to be objective and specific in order to more forward with feedback:
• • Be clear about expectations
  • Be specific about guiding them toward improvement
  • Follow up with them in the near future

 

There you have it--ways to create a growth environment based on feedback . It’s another piece to game-changing your business!