Make Feedback Less Scary: A Guide for Small Business Managers

Let's be honest - nobody wakes up thinking "Brilliant! It's feedback day!" But it doesn't have to be that way. Here's how to make feedback something your team actually wants.

Why Feedback Usually Feels Rubbish

Most feedback processes feel about as welcoming as a trip to the dentist. Why?

• It feels like a performance review in disguise
• Nobody knows what to expect
• It's always about problems
• It happens once in a blue moon
• It's more formal than a royal wedding

The Secret Sauce: Make It Normal

1. Make It Regular

✅ Do This:

• Quick weekly chats
• Monthly catch-ups
• Informal check-ins

❌ Skip This:

• Annual reviews
• Surprise meetings
• Formal evaluations

2. Keep It Two-Way

Good feedback is like a good conversation:

• Both sides get to talk
• Nobody dominates
• Everyone learns something

Simple Ways to Improve Your Feedback Process

1. Create Safety First

Make it clear that feedback is about growth, not gotchas:

• Start with what's working well
• Focus on specific situations, not personality
• Make it okay to disagree
• Follow up on previous conversations

2. Make It Actionable

Every piece of feedback should lead somewhere:

• Set clear next steps
• Agree on timelines
• Check in on progress
• Celebrate improvements

3. Keep It Real

Skip the corporate speak:

• Use normal words
• Share real examples
• Talk about actual situations
• Be specific and clear

What Actually Works in Small Business

1. The Five-Minute Friday

End each week with a quick chat:

• What went well?
• Any stuck points?
• What's next?

2. The Monthly Mingle

A slightly longer catch-up:

• Review wins and challenges
• Plan next steps
• Share what you've learned
• Ask for feedback on your feedback

3. The Quarterly Quest

A proper sit-down to:

• Look at bigger picture
• Plan development
• Set new goals
• Celebrate progress

Making It Stick

1. Start Small

Begin with:

• One team member
• One simple question
• One regular time slot

2. Build Trust

Show that feedback matters:

• Take action on suggestions
• Follow up consistently
• Admit when you're wrong
• Share your own learning

3. Make It Easy

Remove the barriers:

• Use simple tools
• Keep it informal
• Make time for it
• Be consistent

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. The Feedback Sandwich

❌ Don't: Bury criticism between compliments ✅ Do: Be honest and direct, but kind

2. The Annual Ambush

❌ Don't: Save everything for one big meeting ✅ Do: Have regular, smaller conversations

3. The One-Way Street

❌ Don't: Just talk at people ✅ Do: Make it a dialogue

Tools That Help (Without Breaking the Bank)

1. Simple Check-ins

• Quick forms
• Regular prompts
• Easy tracking

2. Follow-up System

• Set reminders
• Track actions
• Monitor progress

3. Feedback Templates

• Question guides
• Conversation starters
• Action planners

Making It Work Long-Term

1. Set Expectations

Make it clear:

• When feedback happens
• How it works
• What happens after

2. Be Consistent

Stick to:

• Regular times
• Similar format
• Clear follow-up

3. Keep Improving

Always ask:

• What's working?
• What isn't?
• What could be better?

Next Steps

Ready to make feedback better? Start here:

1. Pick one small change to make this week
2. Tell your team what you're trying to improve
3. Ask for their input on the process
4. Actually do what you say you'll do

Remember: The best feedback process is the one that actually happens.

Need help getting started? We've got simple tools that make feedback easy - no HR degree required.