How can fundraisers use feedback to improve their relationship with their team?

1 Why feedback matters

Feedback is a powerful tool to motivate, inspire, and support your team. It helps you to communicate your expectations, recognize their achievements, and address any issues or challenges. Feedback also helps you to build trust, respect, and collaboration within your team. By giving and receiving feedback regularly, you can create a culture of learning and improvement that benefits everyone.

2 How to give feedback effectively

Giving feedback is not always easy, especially when it involves criticism, but there are ways to make it more constructive and helpful for your team. To do this, it's important to be specific and timely in your feedback. Additionally, start with something positive and balanced, avoiding harsh words or tones. Make sure to be clear and actionable in your feedback, explaining the purpose and goal while providing realistic suggestions for improvement. Invite their input and feedback, then agree on a plan and timeline for follow-up.

3 How to receive feedback gracefully

Receiving feedback can be difficult, particularly if it's negative or unexpected. However, feedback is a valuable chance to grow and hone your fundraising skills. To receive feedback gracefully, it's important to be open and curious. Listen attentively and respectfully, and don't interrupt or argue - even if you don't agree or feel hurt. Express gratitude for the person's honesty and support, and demonstrate your willingness to learn. Additionally, take responsibility for your actions and results without blaming others or making excuses. Consider the feedback carefully, decide what you can do to improve or change, then share your plan and progress with the person who gave you feedback. Finally, ask for more feedback in the future.

4 How to create a feedback culture

Creating a feedback culture is a continuous process that requires commitment, practice, trust, respect, and communication among team members. To achieve this, expectations and norms should be set in regards to giving and receiving feedback. Additionally, opportunities and tools such as meetings, reviews, surveys, or peer coaching should be provided to help team members give and receive feedback effectively. Furthermore, it is important to recognize and reward those who give and receive feedback well by praising them or providing incentives. Celebrating their achievements and sharing their best practices with others can also help foster a positive feedback culture.

5 How to use feedback to improve your fundraising

Feedback can be a powerful tool for fundraisers looking to strengthen their team and increase their fundraising results. Reflection on feedback can help identify strengths and weaknesses, measure performance, and inform decision making. Experimenting with new ideas and approaches can uncover new opportunities in the fundraising market, while adapting to changing donor needs and preferences can help to grow skills and expand networks. Ultimately, creating a feedback culture and using feedback to improve fundraising can enhance team performance, motivation, and satisfaction, leading to a successful fundraising effort.