Your team members resist feedback during planning. How can you effectively address their resistance?

1 Understand Why

Understanding why team members resist feedback is the first step to addressing the issue. It's possible they've had negative past experiences or feel that their efforts are not appreciated. By actively listening to their concerns and showing empathy, you can begin to break down barriers. Ensure that feedback is always constructive and delivered in a supportive manner. This will help create a safe space where team members feel their contributions are valued and their professional growth is a priority.

2 Establish Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of effective feedback. If your team doesn't trust the process or the people involved, they're likely to resist. To build trust, be transparent about the reasons for feedback and how it can benefit them. Make it clear that the goal is to support their development, not to criticize. Regular, honest communication and demonstrating commitment to their success will help in fostering a trusting environment where feedback is seen as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack.

3 Create Safety

Creating a safe environment for feedback is crucial. This means ensuring that there's no fear of negative consequences when mistakes are made. Encourage a growth mindset within your team by celebrating efforts and learning from failures. When team members feel safe, they're more likely to take risks and be open to feedback. By emphasizing that feedback is part of a learning process aimed at helping them excel in their roles, you can reduce resistance and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

4 Provide Clarity

Clarity in the feedback process can significantly reduce resistance. Team members need to understand how feedback will be given, what is expected of them, and how it relates to their goals. Clear guidelines and objectives help in setting the right context for feedback. By aligning feedback with their personal development plans, you can make it relevant and actionable, thus minimizing misunderstandings and resistance.

5 Encourage Dialogue

Encouraging dialogue around feedback can transform resistance into engagement. Instead of a one-way communication, invite your team members to discuss and reflect on the feedback provided. This participatory approach allows them to take ownership of their development and fosters a more collaborative environment. By valuing their input and perspectives, you're not only addressing resistance but also empowering them to actively shape their growth trajectory.

6 Follow Through

Consistent follow-through on feedback is critical in addressing resistance. When team members see that their efforts to act on feedback lead to recognition and tangible results, they're more likely to value and seek out feedback in the future. Ensure there's a system in place to track progress and acknowledge improvements. This reinforces the message that feedback is an ongoing process with clear benefits, helping to reduce resistance over time.