During skip level meetings with members of my dev teams I often ask about the feedback mechanisms at their teams. I know they all developed more or less structured peer-to-peer feedback systems some time ago, and I’m curious if they are still in use. They are, even though less often than when they started. Which is OK I guess.
Anyway, what I’m asking specifically about is whether they give each other both the positive and constructive feedback (BTW. who called it “constructive” feedback?!). Both kinds of feedback require some perceptiveness and a dose of courage, but it is especially challenging to tell your colleague that:
- you expect more of them,
- they should follow the team rules,
- or that their behavior is inappropriate.
And I’m always glad to hear that it happens from time to time that they also give and receive such constructive feedback. I’m glad, because it means they have the ability to tackle even hard subjects. Ones, that if left unattended, over time can grow to something really nasty and damage the relationships thus damaging the team spirit. And then I feel assured they will be OK. 🙂
P. S. Feedback is a gift right? You know what also is a gift? Objection is.