What is one specific action you've taken to create a culture of open and honest feedback within your team or organization? How has this impacted team performance or communication?

Question

Unlocking the full potential of any team hinges on the bedrock of open communication—this blog post delves into the expert-backed strategies that cultivate a thriving feedback culture. With a toolbox of actionable tips straight from the field's thought leaders, readers will discover how to seamlessly incorporate feedback mechanisms into their organizations. Explore the transformative power of regular feedback sessions, one-on-one meetings, and innovative feedback systems that drive growth and foster collaboration.

Lydia Valberg · Answer

Creating a culture of open and honest feedback at MPS is pivotal to our success. One specific action I've taken is incorporating a feedback mechanism in our PCI Plus Program. By simplifying the administrative process, we've opened lines of communication with our merchants, making it easier for them to share insights about compliance challenges. This approach improved our support services and led to a 20% increase in merchant satisfaction. 
We've also used real-time reporting tools within our merchant portal to boost transparency. The dashboard provides our clients with immediate insights into their transactions, allowing them to directly share feedback on our services. This clarity has strengthened trust and led to more effective communication between us and our clients, resulting in a 15% decrease in merchant service disputes. 
Moreover, our transparent pricing model encourages an open dialogue about costs and services, ensuring clients feel informed and engaged. By eliminating hidden fees, we created a trusting environment which has significantly improved client retention and satisfaction. These strategies have been vital in fostering a trusting, communicative culture at MPS.

Charles Berry · Answer

At Zing Events, we've embedded a culture of open and honest feedback by implementing "Feedback First Fridays." This is a dedicated, informal session where team members share insights-both wins and challenges-without fear of judgment. We kicked this off by leading with vulnerability ourselves, encouraging everyone to speak candidly.
The impact? Communication barriers have shattered. Our team now addresses concerns proactively rather than letting frustrations simmer. This transparency has directly boosted creativity, collaboration, and accountability-key drivers behind our innovative team-building experiences.
The stats don't lie-highly engaged teams see a 23% increase in profitability and 18% more sales. By fostering a culture where every voice is heard, we ensure our own team embodies the values we instill in our clients' teams: trust, collaboration, and performance-driven innovation.
Would I recommend this to other businesses? Absolutely. Creating a space for open dialogue isn't just a 'nice to have'-it's a game-changer for engagement, retention, and ultimately, business success.

Aseem Jha · Answer

Fostering a Culture of Feedback with One-on-One Meetings to Boost Team Communication and Performance As the founder of a legal process outsourcing company, one specific action I've taken to foster a culture of open and honest feedback is implementing regular one-on-one meetings with my team members. Early on, I realized that creating an environment where team members felt comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions was key to improving performance and communication. For example, I had a team member who was struggling with a specific client project, and during one of our one-on-ones, they felt comfortable enough to open up about the challenges they were facing. We were able to collaborate on a solution and adjust our workflow to better support their needs. This transparent communication has greatly improved our overall team dynamic, allowing us to address issues quickly, make adjustments when necessary, and celebrate successes together. By encouraging feedback and actively listening to my team, I've seen a noticeable increase in both team morale and productivity. It's truly been a game-changer in strengthening trust and collaboration across the organization.

Abhishek Shah · Answer

We introduced a 360-degree feedback system, where everyone, including leadership, gets anonymous feedback. For example, during one review cycle, a team member highlighted that our onboarding process was too rushed. We took that feedback, revamped the process, and added a mentorship program for new hires. 
The impact? New hires adapted faster, and overall feedback participation increased by 40%, showing that the team felt heard. It's reinforced the idea that honest feedback drives meaningful change and builds trust across all levels.

Justin McKelvey · Answer

At SuperDupr, one action I took to cultivate a culture of open feedback was instituting biweekly roundtable discussions where every team member shares both successes and challenges. Rather than anonymous input, we focus on direct, face-to-face communication that fosters trust and openness. By creating a safe space for honest dialogue, team members feel more confident to voice their thoughts and ideas.
For example, during the Goodnight Law project, open discussions helped us quickly identify and address technical issues by leveraging diverse perspectives. This approach accelerated our ability to improve visual design and client conversion rates by 15%. This practice of transparent communication has significantly improved collaboration and project outcomes.
Encouraging direct feedback strengthens team dynamics and allows us to refine processes continually. It ensures that everyone is aligned and contributes to our shared mission of delivering outstanding digital solutions. This continuous dialogue has empowered innovation and keeps our strategies aligned with changing market demands.

Ronald Osborne · Answer

One specific action I've taken to create a culture of open and honest feedback within my team is implementing structured yet informal one-on-one "check-in" sessions. These are not traditional performance reviews but conversations where team members can speak freely about challenges, successes, or even frustrations without fear of judgment. I set the tone early by sharing my own areas for improvement and inviting constructive feedback on my leadership. This vulnerability not only breaks down hierarchical barriers but also demonstrates that honest communication is a two-way street. My years of experience working with diverse teams across different countries helped me understand the nuances of fostering trust and accountability. I paired this practice with anonymous feedback channels, which provided an additional layer of safety for more introverted team members or those hesitant to speak up directly.
The impact on team performance and communication has been remarkable. These sessions have uncovered process inefficiencies and team dynamics that weren't visible on the surface. For example, in one case, a team member shared frustrations about unclear priorities, which led us to implement a streamlined task management system that boosted overall productivity within three months. The trust built through these practices also resulted in higher collaboration and a noticeable drop in workplace conflicts. My MBA in finance and background in business coaching gave me the tools to analyze these dynamics strategically and create actionable solutions. By embedding a culture where feedback is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism, the entire organization became more adaptive, cohesive, and aligned with its goals.

Lawrence Guyot · Answer

At ETTE, fostering a culture of open and honest feedback has been central to our operations. One action we've taken is implementing regular "Feedback Circles," where team members share candid insights and constructive criticism in a structured, safe environment. This initiative encourages transparency and trust, which significantly boosts team performance and communication.
An example of the impact is our cybersecurity training program. Through feedback, we found that some employees felt the training was too generic. We adapted by tailoring content to specific roles, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement and comprehension during these sessions. This improved feedback loop has empowered our team, leading to better problem-solving and a stronger security posture across the organization.
Furthermore, we encourage leaders to actively seek and act on feedback from all levels. This approach helped us refine our IT consulting methodologies, where changes led to a 25% improvement in client satisfaction scores. By integrating actionable feedback, we ensure continuous growth and innovation within ETTE and for the clients we serve.

Avigail Lev · Answer

In my experience as a clinical psychologist and mediator, I've found that fostering a real-time emotional sharing approach, like Level Six Communication, is pivotal for open feedback. By encouraging team members to express their feelings and reactions as they occur, we avoid misunderstandings and build trust. This immediate sharing creates a powerful environment where team members feel heard and valued.
At the Bay Area CBT Center, we once dealt with conflict resolution by focusing on real-time feedback to address interpersonal dynamics within a tech start-up. Implementing this method led to a noticeable increase in psychological safety, as team members felt they wouldn't be rejected when expressing concerns. The result was improved collaboration and a significant reduction in turnover rates.
I also emphasize the importance of aligning team values such as "compassion" or "understanding" to guide interactions, changing feedback into a constructive dialogue. Once, a team accepted these values purposefully, leading to a 15% increase in overall performance, as measured by our internal assessments. Adopting values-based communication ensures that feedback is not only open but also fosters growth and mutual respect.

Piotr Zabula · Answer

In our company, we use the 360-degree feedback framework to encourage open and honest communication across all levels of the organization. This approach allows us to gather valuable insights from employees and managers alike. It helps everyone better understand how their work and behaviors impact others, fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement.
However, implementing 360-degree feedback wasn't easy at first. Many people were hesitant and worried about potential consequences of being completely honest in their feedback. Over time, as we went through multiple iterations of the process, the quality of feedback improved significantly. People became more comfortable and started to see the benefits of transparency, which has strengthened communication and enhanced overall team performance.

Amaury Ponce · Answer

One specific action I've taken to create a culture of open and honest feedback within Ponce Tree Services is implementing regular team check-ins and feedback sessions. Every two weeks, we hold a meeting where every employee, from climbers to ground crew, has a chance to share their thoughts on how we're doing as a team and what could be improved. I always emphasize that no idea or concern is too small to bring up. To encourage openness, I lead by example and share areas where I think I can improve as a leader. With over 20 years of experience in the tree care industry and certifications like TRAQ and my arborist training, I use my expertise to ensure these sessions are both professional and constructive. For instance, during one feedback session, a team member suggested a more efficient way to organize equipment for quicker setup at job sites. Implementing this idea has saved us both time and energy, improving productivity significantly.
This culture of honest communication has strengthened trust within the team and has led to better problem-solving. Employees feel valued because they know their voices matter, which boosts morale and job satisfaction. It's also created a smoother flow of communication during jobs, ensuring safety protocols are followed and tasks are executed efficiently. Over time, I've seen how these practices have improved not only team performance but also the quality of service we provide to our clients. By combining my decades of hands-on experience with a focus on listening and collaboration, I've fostered a work environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute to our success.

Andrew Osborne · Answer

One specific action I've taken to create a culture of open and honest feedback within my team at Ozzie Mowing & Gardening is implementing a system of regular one on one check-ins. These aren't just about reviewing tasks or setting goals; they're designed to create a safe space for my team to express concerns, share ideas, and discuss ways we can improve as a group. With my 15 years of experience in the gardening and landscaping industry, I've learned that communication is at the heart of success, whether it's understanding a client's vision or working collaboratively as a team. During these meetings, I encourage everyone to be as honest as possible and reinforce that feedback is a two way street, if they bring up areas I can improve, I make it a priority to take action and show results. Over time, this consistent approach has built trust and fostered an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
The impact on team performance and communication has been transformative. By addressing issues as they arise and inviting new ideas, we've seen smoother project execution and a noticeable boost in morale. For example, one team member suggested a more efficient way to rotate responsibilities for yard maintenance tasks, which significantly improved productivity and reduced burnout. My background as a certified horticulturist has been crucial here, as it allows me to evaluate and integrate their feedback with the technical expertise needed to ensure the best outcomes for both our clients and the team. This open dialog has not only improved the quality of our work but has also strengthened the bonds within the team, making Ozzie Mowing & Gardening a more collaborative and innovative workplace.

Ryan T. Murphy · Answer

I prioritize open and honest feedback by embedding it into the very fabric of our operations at UpfrontOps. One specific action I've taken is instituting "Feedback Fridays," where every team member-regardless of their role-shares insights on recent projects in a structured yet informal setting. This consistent feedback loop has lifted our performance metrics, with a 17% increase in project efficiency and a noticeable improvement in team collaboration.
We also implemented a transparent analytics dashboard that tracks performance metrics in real-time. This initiative fosters an environment where data-driven insights are shared openly, encouraging team members to discuss successes and areas for improvement candidly. By facilitating these discussions, we've improved our operational strategies and boosted trust and communication across departments.
In a previous role at a $35M tech company, I secured partnerships with giants like AWS and Cisco by leveraging a similar strategy of transparency and data-driven feedback. Our open approach allowed for seamless onboarding and increased trust with our partners, resulting in accelerated project timelines and consistent year-over-year growth of approximately 12%.

Jason Plevell · Answer

One specific action I've taken to foster open feedback is implementing the "Weekly Reflection Circles" in my coaching practice. Every week, my team and I dedicated 30 minutes to discuss challenges, successes, and areas for improvement. This safe space encouraged authenticity and allowed honest dialogue without fear of judgment. The impact on my team's performance was significant; we saw an increase in problem-solving efficiency by about 20%. One particular instance involved identifying a gap in client communication, which we quickly addressed, resulting in better client retention and satisfaction. By incorporating these reflection circles, I not only improved communication but also cultivated a culture where individuals felt valued and heard. This experience reflects the principles I teach in personal changes, emphasizing consistent, open dialogue as a cornerstone of effective teamwork.

Audrey Schoen · Answer

At Audrey LMFT, I prioritized the implementation of the Feedback Wheel approach to foster open and honest team interactions. This structured communication tool, derived from relational life therapy, enables individuals to articulate observations, interpretations, emotions, and needs without assigning blame, which encourages understanding and vulnerability.
One instance where this approach notably impacted team communication was when a team member felt sidelined in project discussions. Using the Feedback Wheel, they expressed how the lack of inclusion affected their motivation. By collaboratively addressing these feelings, we improved team dynamics and project outcomes, showing increased engagement and commitment.
Additionally, focus on non-verbal communication elements like body language and tone significantly enriched these sessions. By paying attention to these aspects, the team was able to improve empathy and rapport, which are fundamental in helping both clients and colleagues feel heard and validated.

Paula Como Kauth · Answer

To create a culture of open and honest feedback within my team at BCM One, I implemented a system where every support ticket resolution email invites customers to evaluate and comment on our service. This approach ensures that we're not only resolving individual issues but also learning from them, which has led to significant improvements in our service delivery. An example was a customer changing their negative review to positive after we addressed their concern effectively.
This system of feedback has had a profound impact on our team performance and communication as it promotes a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. By hearing directly from customers where we can improve, the team has been more aligned in their goals and proactive in their problem-solving, reducing repeat issues and enhancing customer satisfaction. This open dialogue internally has led us to fix problems before they become widespread, significantly improving our operational efficiency.

15 Actions to Create a Culture of Open Feedback

15 Actions to Create a Culture of Open Feedback

Incorporate Feedback Mechanism in PCI Plus Program

Embed Feedback First Fridays

Implement Regular One-on-One Meetings

Introduce 360-Degree Feedback System

Institute Biweekly Roundtable Discussions

Implement Structured One-on-One Check-In Sessions

Implement Regular Feedback Circles

Foster Real-Time Emotional Sharing

Use 360-Degree Feedback Framework

Implement Regular Team Check-Ins and Feedback Sessions

Implement Regular One-on-One Check-Ins

Institute Feedback Fridays

Implement Weekly Reflection Circles

Use Feedback Wheel Approach

Invite Customer Evaluation in Support Ticket Resolutions