How to Use Feedback to Build Trust and Accountability

In a former life, I worked in large organizations where the human resources (HR) department would conduct “360 Feedback Programs”. If you’re not familiar with this exercise it works like this… 

Subordinates, peers, and their boss are asked to fill out a form to provide “confidential” feedback on your behavior and performance. This is then shared with you by someone in HR. 

You’re expected to take the anonymous feedback as “constructive criticism” and then develop a plan to improve your effectiveness. This well-meaning exercise invariably leaves you dazed and confused and wondering what everyone really meant. 

Effective Feedback That Really Works

Years ago, I conducted my first EOS® Focus Day™ with a client. 

During this session, members of the leadership team shared real-time, face-to-face feedback with one another as to whether they themselves truly Get it, Want it and have the Capacity (GWC™) to do the five major roles of their position. After a person shares this self-assessment, their peers give them feedback that might go something like this: 

“Jim, you demonstrate each day that you truly get it, want it and have the capacity to do your job.” Or, “Fred, I think you get it, I’m not sure that you really want it which is a shame because you clearly have the capacity to do it.” 

This simple exercise accomplishes in minutes what takes months (maybe years) for traditional 360 Degree Feedback programs to accomplish. It creates awareness by shining a bright light on any issues. There’s nowhere to hide.

Use Feedback To Build Trust and Accountability

In a recent Quarterly Meeting, the head of manufacturing shared that he had completed a real-time “Get it, Want it and Capacity to Do It” feedback session with his direct reports. This also included feedback on how well aligned each person was around the organization’s Core Values. 

The results? 

The session created awareness. The air was cleared. Everyone was heard. No one got defensive. And, the team took a giant step towards becoming both healthy and smart. Could you do this with your team? 

If not, consider using real-time, face-to-face feedback to help build trust and accountability, the glue that holds a great team together.

Next Steps: 

• Unlock the EOS Toolbox™️ to download a copy of the People Analyzer™
• Download a copy of the Accountability Chart from the EOS Toolbox to help you discover the right structure for your company.
• Take the Organizational Checkup® to get a picture of your company’s strengths and weaknesses, along with a roadmap for improvement.