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2 minute read
Let’s be honest, giving and receiving feedback can feel awkward. One-to-one meetings can sometimes feel formal, and catch-ups might get continuously pushed back in a busy calendar. But the secret is, when done right, regular feedback and informal chats don’t just improve performance, they make work more enjoyable, open and create an environment of trust.
Why a Feedback Culture Matters
A culture of feedback isn’t about micromanaging. It’s about making communication a habit, so everyone knows what’s going well, what could be better and how they’re supported along the way. Teams that embrace this culture are:
- More engaged: People feel heard and valued.
- More productive: Small issues get sorted before they become big problems.
- Happier: Feedback becomes a conversation, not a critique.
- More trust: An open and honest culture is a trustworthy one
One-to-Ones: More Than Just a Meeting
Think of one-to-one meetings as the VIP time for your team members. It’s the space where they get your full attention (and you get theirs) without distractions.
To make them work:
- Keep it regular: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or whatever fits your team.
- Make it two-way: Ask about challenges, wins, or even what made them laugh that week.
- End with action: Agree on clear next steps, but keep the tone friendly.
- Make it a priority: Treat one-to-ones like non-negotiable meetings, showing up consistently signals to your team that they and their growth genuinely matter.
Remember: a one-to-one doesn’t have to be all work talk. A few light-hearted moments go a long way in building trust.
Catch-Ups: Small Chats, Big Impact
Informal catch-ups (think coffee breaks, quick desk chats, or virtual huddles) are the glue of a feedback culture. They give employees a chance to raise small concerns, share ideas or just feel seen.
Tips for keeping catch-ups effective (and fun!):
- Keep them short and consistent, no marathon sessions needed.
- Use them to check in on wellbeing as much as work.
- Celebrate wins, no matter how small.
Making Feedback a Habit, Not a Chore
The trick to creating a culture of feedback is consistency. One-to-ones, regular feedback and catch-ups should feel like natural parts of work, not dreaded tasks. Leaders who normalise these conversations make communication easy, approachable and even enjoyable.
In conclusion, creating a culture of regular feedback, one-to-one meetings and informal catch-ups doesn’t have to be serious and stiff. With consistency, approachability and a dash of humor, leaders can turn feedback into a positive, motivating and even fun part of daily work. After all, happy, supported employees aren’t just good for morale, they’re great for results too.
Make Feedback Work: Expert Training for Leaders
If you want your team to truly thrive, consider investing in training on feedback culture for teams. Our expert-led sessions help leaders create a supportive, engaging and high-performing environment where feedback becomes a natural part of everyday work.
