Growing Future Leaders in Urban Planning: The Power of Constructive Feedback

If we are to expect the planning profession to make a difference in today’s development world and broader society, building a team of skilled, confident, and innovative planners is essential. As a manager, and probably one of the more experienced individuals in your organisation your role isn’t just about overseeing projects; it’s about nurturing talent and helping your team members grow into future industry leaders. One of the most effective tools you have at your disposal is constructive feedback—when used right, it can be a game-changer for your team’s development.

Why Team Development Matters in Urban Planning

Planning is more than just following rules and guidelines; it’s about creating spaces where people live, work, and thrive. To do this well, your team needs to be a mix of technical experts and creative thinkers. But even the best planners need guidance and support to reach their full potential.

Think about the mentors in your career...what was it about them that inspired you?

Giving your team the chance to learn and grow is crucial. This means providing mentorship opportunities, encouraging them to take on new challenges, or just offering regular feedback. By investing in their development, you’re not just building a stronger team—you’re shaping the future of urban planning.

The Power of Constructive Feedback

Feedback is often misunderstood. It’s not about criticism; it’s about helping someone improve and grow. With empathy and a focus on a colleague's development, feedback can inspire your team members.

Start by recognising what your team members are doing well. This not only boosts their confidence but also makes them more open to hearing about areas where they can improve. For instance, if someone has a great eye for design but struggles with the technical side, acknowledge their strengths before gently guiding them on how to enhance their technical skills.

Making Feedback a Regular Part of Your Team’s Culture

To make a difference, feedback shouldn’t just happen once a year during performance reviews. Instead, make it a regular part of your team’s culture. This could be through informal check-ins, regular one-on-one meetings, or even peer feedback sessions. The more your team gets used to giving and receiving feedback, the more they’ll see it as a tool for growth rather than criticism.

How Feedback Boosts Collaboration

Planning is a team sport.

Whether you’re working with local communities, governments, or other stakeholders, collaboration is key. Constructive feedback plays a big role in making these collaborations smoother and more effective.

As a manager when did you last say 'well done' to a colleague?

By giving clear, helpful feedback, you can prevent misunderstandings and keep everyone on the same page. This improves your team’s performance and builds trust and respect among team members. When people know they can count on honest, supportive feedback, they’re more likely to share ideas, take risks, and innovate.

Insights from Research: Feedback and Team Development

Research shows that teams that regularly receive constructive feedback are more engaged and perform better. According to a study by Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are nearly four times more likely to be engaged in their work. Moreover, a Harvard Business Review article highlights that feedback is most effective when it’s timely, specific, and delivered with a genuine desire to help the recipient grow.

This underlines the importance of making feedback a consistent practice in your team. It’s not just about correcting mistakes; it’s about encouraging continuous improvement and helping your team reach their full potential.

Conclusion: Building the Future of Urban Planning

As we look toward the future of urban planning in the UK, the importance of developing strong, capable teams cannot be overstated. The projects we undertake today will shape the communities of tomorrow, and the best way to ensure their success is by investing in the people who plan them.

By focusing on team development and making constructive feedback a regular part of your management style, you’re not just helping your team members grow—you’re contributing to the growth of the entire field of urban planning. As we strive to make urban planning more prominent and influential in shaping our society, building the best teams possible will be crucial.

Let’s embrace feedback as a tool for growth and work together to create a future where planning plays a central role in creating vibrant, sustainable communities. By developing the next generation of planning leaders, we ensure that the field continues to evolve and make a lasting impact on the world around us.