I love this story in Scott Adams’ blog about giving feedback to a game creator. The writer was clearly in awe of the artist to some degree at the time and therefore even more reticent to give less-than-positive feedback.
Most people find it daunting giving feedback at the best of times. In many respects that’s one of the key advantages of using a (high-quality, user-focused) 360 degree feedback solution. If people know their feedback will be anonymous, they are far more likely to be comfortable giving it. Not only that, it’s bound to be more open and honest. Feedback that isn’t honest is no help at all.
What I really love about Lukeout’s story was the unexpected outcome of his brave decision to tell it like it was. Of course this isn’t going to be the case every time. Keith was obviously mature enough to take the advice in the spirit it was intended, and could see the value in Lukeout’s suggestions. But, the point for me is the you never know where something like this will lead.
Taking brave decisions in life is, in my book, characteristic of someone with great authenticity. This is the sort of person who is prepared to do the right thing – including the scary one: giving feedback that may not be well received.
As a boss, I’d rather have that person in my team over someone who tells me what they think I want to hear, just because it’s more comfortable for them (and for me). Think about it – who has my real best interests at heart. It’s the person who is prepared to say what they honestly think, because they know that’s the only way things can improve. This is the true spirit of good 360 degree feedback
That means they’re also likely to make other decisions that are based on what’s good for the organisation rather than what’s in it for them. I can see exactly why Keith wanted Lukeout on his team.
Article by Vandy Massey
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