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MARCH 2006

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	Feedback—The Fuel for Organizational Improvement QUOTE “Vision without action is merely a dream.  Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world!”  Joel Barker		When we think of “feedback” we typically think about it on an individual level. We view it as a tool used to improve and enhance individual performance. It certainly is that. However, feedback is also a tool for improving the performance of the entire organization. It is the fuel for ongoing organizational improvement. To understand how this works we must first make the connection between feedback, learning, innovation, and business transformation.  We find that in organizations that maintain an environment of feedback, where open and constructive communication is a source of learning and innovation, creative ideas are captured and transformed into organizational performance improvements. Whether organizational feedback is generated as a by-product of individual feedback conversations, or through customer surveys, focus groups, employee suggestions, or brainstorming sessions, high performing organizations know how to take this valuable information and effectively incorporate it into the continuous improvement cycle. These organizations share some or all of the following characteristics: Feedback Culture: From the top down everyone supports the drive to obtain and provide feedback.  The work environment promotes real-time, well-delivered feedback. Feedback Skills: All employees and managers have the skills to successfully give and receive feedback.  Providing feedback is a skill that is learned.  High performing organizations invest the time and energy to make sure their employees have the appropriate tools and strategies. Capture Mechanisms: Systematic mechanisms capture feedback from all stakeholders - front-line employees, senior management, internal customers, and external customers. Action Orientation: Obtaining feedback is only part of the equation.   High performing organizations translate feedback into actionable items that improve the workplace. Ownership: All actionable items need owners to carry the actions to fruition.  These owners are empowered to lead change and are accountable for building alignment around the change. Ongoing Reflection: One improvement generates another idea, and so it goes.  Ongoing reflection and objective evaluation help ensure that the organization is always learning and innovating.  Not all improvements work as planned the first time.  Smart organizations learn from the journey and stay the course. At Advance Consulting we have helped many organizations incorporate feedback into their continuous improvement cycles.  If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us at 831-372-9444 or email us at advanceinfo@advanceconsulting.com.
			FIND OUT MORE Advance Consulting is a professional development company that provides state-of-the-art consulting services, workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and internationally. Find out more at www.advanceconsulting.com, send us an email at advanceinfo@advanceconsulting.com, or call us at (831) 372-9444 for more information.