In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, measuring the employee experience with digital tools, applications, and services is critical for the success of any organization. However, focusing solely on what needs improvement can create a negative atmosphere. Instead, a balanced approach that includes both positive and negative feedback can foster a more motivated and innovative team.
Imagine being an athlete or a musician who only receives criticism and never hears what they’re doing right. The experience becomes disheartening and demotivating. Similarly, in the digital world, positive feedback is just as crucial as negative feedback. Both serve different purposes and strengthen each other. The drive to improve and embrace innovation is only possible when teams feel valued and confident that their efforts and resources are well spent.
Yes, it’s essential to seek feedback for improvement, but it’s equally important to collect and celebrate positive stories about what’s working well.
In our projects, we’ve utilized numerous ways to harness positive feedback effectively. Here are some tools and strategies that have proven successful:
1. Literally Ask for Compliments
Ask your team to select a topic they’d like to compliment and explain why. When done on a larger scale, you’ll get a ranked order of compliments and the stories behind them. People naturally tend to compliment their colleagues, creating a sense of community and appreciation within the team. Can you imagine, for example, if you have 1,000 employees and receive hundreds of compliments frequently? This has such a huge potential in your internal communication, team building, and motivation! The continuous flow of positive feedback can create a ripple effect, enhancing the overall work culture and fostering stronger interpersonal connections.
2. Thank People for Their Feedback
Always thank your team members for their feedback, both negative and positive. Explain that positive feedback helps ensure the company is heading in the right direction. This practice validates their contributions and emphasizes the importance of their input in shaping the company’s path. Gratitude reinforces the value of feedback and encourages continuous participation.
3. Share Positive Stories with the IT Team
Regularly bring positive stories back to your IT team. Share these stories during meetings, incorporating positive quotes to boost energy and tackle problems with more ease. This approach, often referred to as ‘shout outs,’ creates a more constructive and collaborative meeting environment. Highlighting success stories can motivate IT staff and reinforce their role in driving digital success.
4. Direct Positive Feedback to Individuals
Directly share positive feedback aimed at specific team members, such as someone from your Service Desk. Personal acknowledgment can significantly boost morale and reinforce a culture of appreciation. Recognizing individual contributions promotes employee recognition and encourages others to strive for excellence.
5. Utilize Double Loop Feedback
Implement double loop feedback as a structural and frequent method of using management information. This approach involves using both positive and negative feedback to foster continuous improvement, based on appreciation, positive change, and achievements. It contributes to a better workplace for both employees and IT teams. Double loop feedback enables continuous improvement by focusing on learning and adapting.
Key Takeaways for Digital Transformation Teams
- Balanced Feedback is Crucial: Incorporate both positive and negative feedback to create a motivated and innovative team environment.
- Regularly Ask for Compliments: Encourage team members to highlight what’s working well to foster a culture of appreciation and positivity.
- Express Gratitude for All Feedback: Thank team members for their feedback, reinforcing the importance of their contributions.
- Share Positive Stories: Regularly bring positive feedback back to the team to boost morale and foster a collaborative atmosphere.
- Implement Double Loop Feedback: Use this method to create a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on both positive achievements and areas for growth.
Shout Outs
“A big shout out to our Service Desk team for their outstanding support and dedication! Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and the positive feedback from our employees speaks volumes about your commitment to excellence. Keep up the great work!”
“Another shout out to the development team for their innovative solutions and consistent delivery of high-quality applications. Your efforts are driving our digital transformation forward, and the positive feedback from users highlights the impact of your work.”
In conclusion, measuring employee experience with digital tools is essential, but it should be a balanced approach that includes celebrating successes and addressing challenges. By incorporating these strategies, digital transformation teams can create a more positive, motivated, and innovative workplace. A balanced feedback loop promotes continuous improvement and a healthier, more engaged work environment.