The Power of Listening: Importance of Organizational Feedback
Tracy E. Nolan
Fortune 100 Executive & Change Advisor | Advocate for Transformative Leadership | NACD-Certified Board Director & Keynote Speaker | P&L $6B | Business Resilience & Operational Efficiency
A little over two weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting with all Directors and above in my organization. I am still reflecting on all their wonderful ideas and commitments. As a leader, I have always understood the profound value of listening systems and feedback within an organization.
Many of you who know me are familiar with the story of the Goose in the parking lot. A story that I share often about the importance of communications with teams and leaders. Walking away from this meeting deeply inspired and reminded of the critical role feedback plays in any organization.
Feedback is often seen as a daunting concept, but, it is a powerful tool that drives growth, innovation, and excellence. Here are a few reasons why feedback is a gift we should all cherish:
Encourages Continuous Improvement: Constructive feedback highlights areas for growth and helps individuals and teams to constantly evolve. It pushes us to strive for better, to innovate, and to not settle for the status quo.
Builds Trust and Engagement: When feedback is given and received openly, it fosters a culture of trust. Our teams feel valued and heard, which in turn boosts engagement and morale.
Enhances Communication: Effective feedback promotes open communication. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals, reducing misunderstandings and aligning efforts.
Drives Performance: Regular, honest feedback helps identify strengths and weaknesses. It provides clarity on expectations and empowers employees to perform at their best.
Feedback as an integral part of our culture. The recent Director+ meeting underscored the incredible impact that thoughtful feedback can have. Their insights and dedication not only inspire me but also reinforce the idea that when feedback is given with the intent to support and uplift, it truly becomes a gift.
As leaders it is important that we continue to cultivate a feedback-rich environment where every voice is heard, and every perspective is valued. After all, it's through these conversations that we can achieve extraordinary things together.
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Customer Experience (CX) Strategist | Customer Growth and Retention International Vendor Management | Performance Driven Leader Leadership Development | Cross Functional Collaboration | Engaging Culture Creator
7 个月Thank you, Tracy. It is always powerful to get feedback from your employees. Great read.
Culture and Engagement Lead at Humana
7 个月Excellent meeting and topic. It was great to connect and to be reminded about the power of honest feedback!
Projects Leadership & Agile Products Delivery | Value Maximization, Data-Driven Decision Enablement and Performance Analytics | Contact Compliance, AI, BI, ML, Automation and Cloud initiatives Management
7 个月Great read! Never miss an opportunity to ask for feedback. I always have this standard question as part of my 1-1’s “Any questions, concerns or feedback”. Helps you learn, improve and grow!!
Versatile Veteran | Talent Architect | Customer Relationship Expert | Community Engagement | Process Optimizer | Transforming Complexities into Success
7 个月Absolutely, Tracy E. Nolan! Leadership is not just about giving directions but also about actively listening. While listening is crucial, it’s even more important to listen to those who are willing to tell you what you don't want to hear. These candid voices often provide the most valuable insights. By embracing honest feedback, leaders can make better decisions and foster a culture of trust and transparency within their teams.
Faculty/Instructor at Speakeasy Inc.
7 个月Insightful message, Tracy, thank you. Also, great to see you demonstrating true leadership presence and connection on stage! Well done.