The other day I happened across a blog that posed a very interesting question:

Feedback would happen all the time if..?

So, what would you say? I can’t reign it in to just one idea, so here are seven things I think would lead to more feedback in the workplace.

1. Feedback would happen all the time if… managers were rated partly based on the quality/quantity of feedback they provide their employees. You know they overestimate how much they give, right?
2. Feedback would happen all the time if… companies would trash that ten-page, one-time “performance management” form/process and instead focus on smaller, incremental pieces of conversation (we call that unsightly practice “gunnysack feedback“).
3. Feedback would happen all the time if… senior leaders modeled feedback regularly and set the expectation that others would use it as well. Here’s when to use the different types.
4. Feedback would happen all the time if… we position it as “coaching” instead of “feedback.” People like coaching. Feedback can make them feel inadequate.
5. Feedback would happen all the time if… we rewarded those individuals who provide high quality feedback on a regular basis. No gaming the system!
6. Feedback would happen all the time if… we teach people to ask for it and truly listen to it. Too often people say they want feedback but then are disturbed when they receive it.
7. Feedback would happen all the time if… everyone was perfect! (Hey, it would all be positive feedback!) But we’re not, so let’s keep working on it, shall we? Here’s a 30 second performance management coaching session for your managers.

So, what do you think? Do any of these resonate with you? What would lead to more feedback in your workplace?