February 2024 IN THIS ISSUE:
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Confidence in Communication: Transforming Feedback Culture in Leadership
► Confidence in Communication: Transforming Feedback Culture in Leadership ► Preferred Provider Spotlight - Crowe LLP ► NextGen Conference ► Member News ► CPAmerica Insights – Jenn Walker
By: Amy Vetter, The B3 Method Institute In leadership, delivering constructive feedback is essential for fostering growth and improvement. However, this task can be uncomfortable due to fears of being overly critical, unsettling colleagues, or doubting one’s evaluative insights.
Cultivating an open dialogue culture requires consistent actions and attitudes from leadership. When leaders exhibit openness, it provides the example and encourages everyone to share insights without fear of backlash, creating a haven where feedback fosters growth and improvement, not criticism.
I am sure you have been in the position Amy Vetter before where you identify a recurring error by one of your staff on engagements you work with them on. Addressing this isn’t only about highlighting mistakes but creating a dialogue that helps each person improve their accuracy and expertise in real-time.
Empathy, often seen as a soft skill, holds profound significance, especially in feedback scenarios. It’s about understanding and addressing team concerns, recognizing their efforts, and being mindful of their challenges.
The goal isn’t to instantly eliminate the discomfort associated with feedback but to create an environment where feedback becomes a constructive and empowering dialogue. Transitioning the feedback culture from a dreaded task to an enriching exchange can nurture a climate of mutual growth and trust. This shift strengthens confidence in our leadership roles and positively impacts the organizational landscape.
Fostering a Culture of Open Dialogue Creating an environment where team members can openly express their thoughts is crucial for effective communication in any team or organization, especially regarding feedback. An open, transparent work setting simplifies giving and receiving feedback, establishing a foundation for honest, constructive discussions, and people know that you genuinely care about their career.
The Empathy Factor, a Key Trait of a ‘Connected Leader’
In my book, Disconnect to Connect: Tap Into the Power Within You to Create the Life You Desire, I coined the term ‘Connected Leadership,’ which means extending beyond understanding to demonstrating care through action. It’s about framing feedback that uplifts rather than disheartens. For instance, saying, “I appreciate the effort, and with a different strategy, we might achieve better results together,” can substantially affect how feedback is received and acted upon. Being empathetic means navigating human emotions skillfully, ensuring feedback is about fostering growth, not just pinpointing shortcomings, and you are there to help. This approach ensures that the message is delivered and received in the spirit of constructive growth.
Mastering the Communication Dynamics
The finesse in communication skills shines when it comes to delivering feedback to your team and clients. It’s a balance between
being honest and kind, straightforward yet respectful. The choice of words, tone, and setting significantly influence the effectiveness and reception of feedback. Diving deeper into positivity, it’s about pairing critiques with solutions, guiding towards improvement. For example, instead of noting a presentation lacked engagement, let them know what went well alongside suggesting to incorporate storytelling elements to captivate the audience. Clarity is vital. Clear, precise feedback eliminates ambiguity, making it easier for the recipient to act upon. Instead of saying “be more professional” in a presentation, specify what actionable steps they can take to improve their presentation and strategies they can take to thrive in that environment in the future. The communication loop closes with understanding. Encouraging a two-way dialogue for questions or clarifications ensures well-understood feedback, setting the stage for actionable improvements.
The Practice Realm
Regular practice in delivering feedback diminishes discomfort and hones skills—and establishing regular feedback sessions can be transformative. Here are different formats See Communication, continued on page 2