The Power of Strengths-Based Feedback
The essential role of feedback
Have you ever heard someone express frustration about their manager? Common complaints such as 'They never pay attention to me and my work,' or 'All I get are criticisms,' highlight a deeper issue. It reflects a lack of engagement and clarity in the workplace. Feedback is essential, not just for addressing shortcomings but for establishing what is expected and appreciated about each employee's contributions, much like a coach outlines for their athletes.
Just as no Olympian would expect to win a gold medal without insightful, consistent coaching, employees thrive when given clear, constructive feedback. At Treehouse, our Contribution Curve is akin to an athlete's training regimen and is tailored to develop a manager's feedback skills. At each stage, we guide managers to understanding and addressing their feedback approach with their subordinates and peers, as well as with their managers. It is important to know how to manage upwards as well as horizontally or downwards!
Managers Contribution Curve
At each stage of the curve, managers learn to harness the power of giving feedback. For example, at Reacting a manager might ‘Provide recognition and thanks after a demanding activity’. At Controlling they may thank employees for ‘Going above and beyond what was asked’. In Directing they may give feedback by directing their people to ‘create sharper focus on what maximises contribution’. In Facilitating they may focus on themselves by actively seeking feedback from key stakeholders and finally in Leading they start to widen their toolkit through self-awareness like building emotional intelligence. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Boosting motivation and engagement
Feedback, though sometimes daunting, is essentially a life-affirming tool that propels personal and professional growth. It's about highlighting what's working well and encouraging more of it. Focusing on the strengths of your employees boosts morale and enhances performance. It is a positive cycle that has been shown to generate superb results.
Research by the Corporate Leadership Council (2002) found that emphasising strengths can lead to a 36.4% improvement in performance. Whereas focusing on weakness is linked to a negative decline in performance of 26.8%. This dramatic contrast underscores the effectiveness of strengths-based feedback in boosting productivity, morale and employee contribution.
Without regular feedback, employees can feel like they're operating in a vacuum. Guessing the impact of their efforts can breed uncertainty and disengagement. This is why regular feedback conversations with your team are crucial, it eliminates guesswork and creates a positive and open conversation.
At each stage of the Contribution Curve, we emphasise strengths-based feedback. This approach not only builds confidence but also places employees in a positive mental spiral, which benefits the entire team culture. Additionally, it feels great as a manager to give positive feedback to your team.
Make feedback a daily habit
Feedback should be a daily practice, not an occasional intervention. When managers concentrate on what individuals do well, employees feel valued and understood. This recognition is a powerful motivator, driving employees to excel and deliver greater contribution to an organisation that they feel a valued part of.
Make giving and receiving feedback a regular part of your interaction with your team, peers and manager. By developing this habit, you will be promoting continuous improvement and encouraging a vibrant, engaging workplace culture.
Remember, the right feedback at the right time can transform how your employees feel about their roles and the company. With positive feedback, your employees will grow in confidence, be more engaged and contribute to the company at a higher level.
Want to improve your feedback skills?
People contribute at their highest level when they have the right tools and capabilities to work productively in their roles. In our Power of Strengths-Based Feedback course, we will help you create a culture of learning and continuous improvement by equipping you and your team with the skills and confidence to give and receive strengths-based feedback.