September-2024

Feedback is a gift!
Not a verdict. Not a right.

Feedback is essential for growth, helping individuals and teams improve performance and align with goals. Whether you term it positive or constructive, it fosters development and drives continuous learning. However, feedback is a two-way street—every feedback leaves the giver something to reflect on.

Here is how you can build a culture of feedback in your team and organisation,

Delink Feedback from Rewards

Feedback should be separate from performance ratings, salary increments, or promotions. Address the issue while it’s still fresh, rather than waiting for formal reviews. This keeps the feedback focused on improvement, not compensation.

Be Objective

Stick to the facts. Avoid generalizations like “You always miss deadlines.” Instead, focus on the specific incident, such as “Last Friday’s delay pushed the project back by two days.” Keep the conversation clear and factual.

State the Impact

Explain how the action affected the team, project, or company. For example, “The client couldn’t launch on time, which disrupted their sales plan.” This helps the recipient understand the broader consequences of their actions.

Allow Time for Reflections

After sharing the feedback, give the recipient space to process the conversation. Encourage them to think about how they can improve, and schedule time to revisit the issue.

Do Follow-up

Set up a follow-up conversation to check on progress. This shows that the feedback is part of an ongoing process of improvement, not a one-time event.

And remember, giving feedback is an opportunity for you to reflect too!

Finally, for feedback systems to work and help organizations build a learning culture, there needs to be a culture of trust, psychological safety, and alignment, some of the topics covered in our prior editions.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FROM THE WORLD OF SEMCO STYLE

TRIVIA FOR YOU

August-2024

“Why change if it is not broken?”

– Chief Status-quo Controller

The theory of evolution shows that our species excels at adapting to change. In organizations, which are made up of people and systems, resistance to change is a leading cause of failed transformations—a paradox, considering the saying, “Change is the only constant.” This contradiction arises from organizational inertia; the larger the organization, the greater the inertia, and the slower the response to change. The only way organizations can beat this inertia and build agility is by building a new capability in their organization where teams proactively and continuously challenge the status quo.

Challenging the status quo requires courage, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Here’s how you can start your journey,

Embrace Diverse Perspectives

Diverse teams foster innovation. Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals with different perspectives and experiences feel valued. Create an environment where open and honest communication is welcomed. Encourage team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment.

Question Assumptions

Many current practices would have been designed this way based on reasons and requirements at a certain time.  Create a forum that allows team members to ask why some of those practices exist and if they’re still relevant, given today’s technology, regulations, and business environment. Invite people not directly connected with a particular practice to get outside-in perspectives.

Lead by Example

When leaders challenge the status quo, they inspire critical and creative thinking. Engage with team members’ perspectives rather than dismissing them.

Celebrate Success and Failure

Share stories of teams that have successfully challenged the status quo and made a difference.  To encourage experimentation of unconventional ideas, treat failure as a learning opportunity, not something to be punished.

 The efforts will be well rewarded with an engaged, motivated workforce that believes it can make a difference, a competitive edge by staying ahead of the curve, and a resilient system capable of thriving in a VUCA world.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FROM THE WORLD OF SEMCO STYLE

TRIVIA FOR YOU

July 2024

Innovate Like Never Before:

5 Steps to Embed Creativity into Your Team’s DNA

Imagine you’re in a team meeting filled with nervous energy. Everyone hesitates to share ideas. Great ideas go unsaid, stifled by fear. But what if you could change that? Here are five steps to foster a culture of innovation in your team.

Encourage Sharing Wild Ideas

Semco Style suggests embedding “Are you crazy” meetings* to fuel wild thinking.

Psychological safety makes people feel safe to take risks and express ideas without fear of judgment. Start by actively listening to your team, encouraging open dialogue, and valuing every idea. This boosts morale and enhances collaboration, creating an environment where everyone feels their voice matters.

* If you would like to try it out, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.

Build Trust and Transparency

Trust and transparency are key to fostering innovation. Consistently share your thoughts and plans with your team, be transparent about goals, processes, and expectations, and openly share successes and setbacks. When team members trust each other and their leaders, they’re more likely to share innovative ideas and take risks.

Get Bold and Celebrate Failure

Fear of failure can stifle creativity. Reframe failure as a learning opportunity, encourage experimentation, and emphasize that setbacks are part of the journey to success. Celebrate effort even when outcomes aren’t perfect. Implement a “fail fast, learn faster” approach, focusing on rapid iteration and continuous improvement

Promote Vulnerability and Learning from Others

Encouraging vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and trust within your team. Promote an environment where team members can share their experiences, including mistakes. Facilitate regular knowledge-sharing sessions where team members can showcase their expertise and learn from one another, enhancing individual skills and creating a supportive team.

Build Self-Managed Teams

Empower your team to make their own decisions. Set clear goals, provide necessary resources, and then step back. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and diverse perspectives, leading to more creative solutions. Regularly review progress and provide feedback to keep the team aligned.

Implement these steps and watch your team transform into a powerhouse of creativity and continuous improvement. The journey towards becoming an innovative organization is ongoing, and every step brings you closer to achieving your goals.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FROM THE WORLD OF SEMCO STYLE

TRIVIA FOR YOU

June 2024

RACE to Growth:

 Making the ‘Cooperation – Collaboration’ shift

In today’s competitive work environment, effective collaboration is a game-changer for organizations seeking growth and innovation. While cooperation involves individuals working together towards a common goal, collaboration leverages collective problem-solving and creativity. By following the RACE framework—Role clarity, Alignment, Clear communication, and Empowerment—teams can transition from mere cooperation to true collaboration, unlocking their full potential.
Here’s how:

Role Clarity of Self and Others:

Role clarity is fundamental in creating a collaborative environment. When team members understand their responsibilities and those of their colleagues, it reduces overlap and confusion. This clarity allows individuals to focus on their strengths and contribute more effectively to the team’s goals.

To achieve role clarity, clearly define each team member’s responsibilities and expectations. Ensure team members understand what is expected of them and how others’ work affects them. Short, frequent meetings can reinforce these roles. When team members understand how their work fits into the bigger picture, they are more likely to take ownership of their tasks and collaborate effectively.

Alignment to a Common Goal:

Alignment to a common goal is crucial for fostering collaboration. When team members share a clear and compelling vision of their objectives, it creates a sense of purpose and unity. This shared goal acts as a guiding star, ensuring everyone moves in the same direction.

To achieve alignment, articulate the common goal clearly and ensure it is understood by all team members. Use team meetings and ongoing communication to reinforce this goal. Breaking down the overarching goal into smaller objectives helps maintain focus. Regularly revisiting these goals and celebrating milestones keeps the team motivated and aligned. When everyone is committed to the same goal, individual efforts synergize, creating a powerful force for growth and innovation..

Clear Communication of All That is Relevant:

Clear and open communication is the backbone of successful collaboration. When information flows freely within the team, it builds trust and reduces misunderstandings. Sharing relevant updates, feedback, and insights ensures everyone is informed and engaged.

To foster clear communication, establish robust communication channels, including regular team meetings and project management tools. Encourage an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. Active listening is crucial for effective communication. Ensure communication is both top-down and bottom-up, enabling everyone to contribute. Transparent communication builds a culture of trust and mutual respect.
.

Empowerment in Decision Making:

Empowering team members in decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. When individuals are trusted to make decisions within their areas of expertise, they are more likely to take initiative and contribute proactively to the team’s success.

To empower your team, delegate decision-making authority appropriately and provide necessary resources and support. Encourage a culture where taking calculated risks is valued. Recognize and celebrate team members’ contributions and successes. When people feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to engage deeply with their work and collaborate creatively with others.

By implementing these four steps—Role clarity, Alignment, Clear communication, and Empowerment—teams can transition from mere cooperation to true collaboration. This shift enhances productivity and innovation and creates a more dynamic and fulfilling work environment. .

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FROM THE WORLD OF SEMCO STYLE

TRIVIA FOR YOU