How to encourage feedback

1. Quotable quote

"Seeking feedback is a very important part of being a good manager. Like everyone else, you are dependent upon feedback to find out how you are performing. You should be seeking feedback actively, every day, from everyone in your working environment - your boss, your peers, your staff and your customers. If you don't, you run a terrible risk - the risk of coasting along and never fine-tuning your direction."

2. Here's an idea

When one of your staff members comes to you with a particular concern, or with feedback on a project, or with an idea for improving the workplace, take note. Literally. As your colleague is talking, write down key points in a notebook.

This strategy serves two purposes: firstly, it will help you remember what action needs to be taken; and secondly, it signals to the staff member that feedback is important, that you are really listening and taking what s/he is saying seriously.

Set aside a ‘staff notebook’ just for this purpose, and always have it handy.

3. Don't forget

How feedback should be given…

Do your staff members know how and when to give you feedback - particularly how and when to let you know if something’s gone wrong in the organisation?

If brought to the attention of your staff, the following guidelines from the US Bureau of Business Practice will make your life easier: