Feedback Loop

I know from building stuff that other people use for over 30 years that the feedback loop is the most important part of the building process.

It’s also the most important part of the people process.

Whether you’re managing, working beside, or leading others, the feedback loop often makes or breaks the project.

We’re all different. We all have preferred methods for taking feedback, even if we aren’t explicitly aware.

As the provider of feedback, what you say matters. But when and how you say it also matters. Probably more so. The most effective feedback is tailored to the receptor, not the provider.

The feedback loop provides an opportunity. The opportunity can be:

• the chance to show you’re in charge
• the chance to amplify ideas
• the chance to put someone in their place
• the chance to build others up
• the chance to “my way or the highway”
• the chance to win the argument
• the chance to improve the outcome
• the chance to demonstrate your expertise
• the chance to develop someone else’s
• the chance to shut an idea down
• the chance to make an idea better
• the chance to protect your ego
• the chance to build trust
• the chance to coach
• the chance to serve
• the chance to teach
• the chance to learn
• the chance to make the next iteration better

What will you do with the feedback loop?