I want to talk about the importance of allowing for all types of feedback, in whatever space you're in.

I’m not talking about just creating an environment where everything you hear is positive all the time, but purposefully allowing for some of the negative or less savory feedback to come out.

I also don't necessarily mean to create an environment where people are constantly complaining all the time. What I actually mean is to purposefully create an environment where everyone feels like they can be truthful about what's there for them.

Why would you want to do this?

Spaces that invite all types of feedback eliminate “performance.” In other words, it eliminates the need to act like everything is okay or only share what is shiny and bright. When performing, people don’t often share where they are struggling or where they aren’t fully committed to their projects.

Having space that allows for all types of feedback means having a space where people can be authentic. When you allow for that level of authenticity, it enables those who work with you to feel heard. Now more than ever in our world, we are seeing the impact of people not feeling seen and heard. So as a leader, you really need to be doing your part to ensure that you’re not a part of the problem.

Something magical happens when you welcome space for everyone exactly as they are. People stop feeling like it’s weird to bring what they are authentically experiencing. It allows for everyone to be honest. With that honesty, there is room to see what problems need to be addressed or what support is needed. You are also able to listen for when there are gaps in celebrating what is working.

Are you sold on why a space for all types of feedback matters? If so, are you wondering how to create it?

Often, it can come down to something as simple as the language you use. Notice the questions you use to prompt people. Are they positive-focused questions? For example:

·       What’s the value that you are getting out of this?

·       How is this going to support you in moving things forward?

·       What’s the gold that you are taking from this experience?

These are amazing questions to generate a conversation, as they always cause people to look for the value in their experiences. However, sometimes these questions also unintentionally create a space where you can only share what is positive. The invitation I have is for you to notice whether you balance these questions with more open and honest ones. For example:

·       Is there anyone who is not on the same page about this?

·       What could we do to improve or grow how this situation is going?

·       What was missing that you would like to see next time?

The intention with these questions is not to devolve conversations into places where people constantly complain or criticize. It is more about rounding out the space so that people know you are willing to listen and receive – regardless of what type of feedback they have.

Take a look at yourself.

Do you unintentionally manipulate conversations so that they always skew positive? If so, do you notice that often the people around you are in performance-based conversations rather than honest ones?

If you answer “yes” to either of those questions, it’s time for you to practice hearing people where they are and hearing what they are missing.

Be willing to ask the questions that would have them speak the truth on purpose, regardless of whether or not it would feel comfortable to hear.