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As a manager, you’re used to taking control. Throughout your career, you often learn to make decisions quickly. At times, this means dismissing input from others, even before you fully consider what they have shared.

While blocking out the proverbial noise might seem like a smart move, that isn’t always the case. It may appear as if that approach prevents doubt or negativity from creeping into your company — however, the opposite.

Silencing those around you can actually promote doubt, negativity, and even distrust. Your employees won’t feel heard, first and foremost. Plus, they’ll begin to think that you don’t have faith in their expertise or that you’re trying to stifle them. In some situations, they may start to believe that you are hiding something from them or incapable of admitting when you make a mistake.

Ultimately, keeping those around you from chiming in causes more harm than good in most scenarios. Instead, your employees need something different if you want your company to thrive.

What Your Employees Need from You

If you want your organization to flourish, your employees need something important: the ability to provide you with open, honest feedback. By opening the door to constructive criticism, you aren’t making yourself a target. Instead, you are creating an opportunity that can help everyone excel.

When you invite feedback, you are cultivating chances for growth. You can gather insights from a range of perspectives. Additionally, you can tap into the expertise of others. Not only can this help you avoid mistakes or correct problems, but it can also spur innovation.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Along the way, you’ll enhance your company’s culture as well. Your workplace will feel like a safe space where opinions can be shared and discussed. It will also seem more inclusive, as everyone has a chance to be heard.

By embracing feedback, you are allowing yourself to grow personally and professionally. Plus, your company will benefit, creating a win-win scenario.

How to Encourage Feedback

Initially, it may be hard to get input from your team. This is especially true if it had previously been discouraged, either intentionally or incidentally.

However, that doesn’t mean getting things turned around has to be complicated. Often, the easiest way to begin is to start asking for input.

As you discuss a topic or project, specifically request feedback. Let your team know that you value their contribution and want to hear about their perspective.

Once someone starts sharing, use active listening skills. Concentrate on what is being said and resist the urge to form a response in your mind. Instead, paraphrase what is shared and ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully understand. Then, and only then, should you start constructing a response.

You can also create other mechanisms for gathering feedback. For example, forums, anonymous communication channels, and surveys could potentially be used, depending on the kind of input you require.

Ultimately, encourage feedback is beneficial, and it’s something your employees genuinely need. If you’d like to find out more, the staff at TempStaff can help. Contact us today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

 

 


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