Get Better Feedback From Your Team Members

The traditional way of getting feedback from team members often leaves most leaders frustrated. Here is the solution …

The traditional way of getting feedback from team members often leaves most leaders frustrated. You sit with them individually or in groups and ask the standard questions:

• "What feedback do you have for me?"

• "What suggestions do you have?"

• "How are things going?"

• "What would make things better?"

These aren't bad questions, but they rarely give you the honest, actionable insights you're hoping for. You walk away feeling like you didn't learn much of anything useful.

Here's the problem: Your team members don't want to disappoint you, hurt your feelings, or — let's be honest — risk their job security. Even with the best intentions, an inherent power imbalance can make people hold back.

Here is the solution …