Unlocking the Secrets to Obtaining Useful Feedback from Employees

Kyle Rober
Training Specialist
Unlocking the Secrets to Obtaining Useful Feedback from Employees

Imagine a world where employees know exactly what they’re doing well and where they need to improve. A world where managers provide the kind of feedback that motivates, empowers, and inspires. Sound too good to be true? Let’s dive into the secrets of obtaining useful feedback from employees and how it can transform the learning and development landscape within your organization.

Creating a Culture of Open Communication

The first step in obtaining useful feedback is to foster a culture of open communication within your organization. Encourage employees to share their thoughts without fear of negative consequences. This can be achieved by implementing anonymous feedback platforms, holding regular one-on-one meetings, and setting clear expectations for performance and behavior.

Ask for Specific, Actionable Feedback

Asking employees for general feedback can lead to vague, unhelpful responses. Instead, request specific, actionable feedback that can be applied to create real improvement. For example, instead of asking, ‘What can I do better?’, try asking, ‘What specific skills or competencies should I focus on improving?’. This approach will yield more helpful responses that can be used for targeted learning and development.

Implementing 360-Degree Feedback

360-degree feedback is a valuable tool that gathers input from all levels of the organization. By collecting feedback from managers, peers, subordinates, and even customers, a comprehensive understanding of an employee’s strengths and weaknesses can be obtained. This information can be used to create personalized learning plans that address individual needs and improve overall team performance.

Encouraging Constructive Criticism

Constructive criticism is an essential component of effective feedback. Provide training to employees on how to give and receive constructive criticism. As one L&D professional said, ‘It’s not about pointing out faults, but about identifying areas for growth and providing support for improvement.’

Using Technology for Continuous Feedback

Leveraging technology can make the feedback process more efficient and accessible. Online platforms, mobile applications, and other tools can enable employees to give and receive feedback in real-time, making it easier to track progress and respond to issues quickly.

Learnexus: Your Partner for Learning & Development Success

Obtaining useful feedback from employees is crucial for creating a successful learning and development program. Learnexus is the ultimate solution for managers looking to find highly skilled L&D freelancers to help develop and implement strategies for continuous feedback, saving time and cutting costs by up to 47%. From facilitating open communication to implementing 360-degree feedback, the experts at Learnexus have you covered.