Navigating the intricate world of feedback can be a daunting task. Yet, it is an essential component of organisational success and personal growth. On this latest podcast episode, I was privileged to host Dr. Haley Lewis, an award-winning psychologist with over 25 years of experience specialising in organisational psychology. Dr. Lewis shared her wisdom on the power of feedback, the transformative effect of silence in conversations, and the art of virtual leadership.

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Feedback is a critical tool in the workplace. Dr. Hayley Lewis believes that it holds the potential to transform both individuals and organisations. Throughout the episode, she emphasises the need for honest, evidence-based conversations, and shares how her experience with a tribunal involving a former employee shaped her line management style. She introduced us to 'Radical Candour', a three-step approach to giving feedback that encourages care and honesty in difficult conversations.

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Silence, often overlooked, can be a powerful tool in conversations. Hayley illustrates this with her experience of being part of a leadership team that faced a lot of friction. An external facilitator, comfortable with silence, enabled the team to open up and have a meaningful conversation. Silence creates space for individuals to process feedback and opens doors to more productive and empathetic dialogues.

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The shift to virtual work has introduced new challenges. Hayley highlighted the importance of establishing ground rules for virtual conversations and the crucial role of empathy in these interactions. The discomfort of delivering negative feedback in a virtual setting can create a difficult dynamic. Therefore, it is necessary to approach these situations with understanding and empathy, giving time to facilitate empathetic conversations.

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Finally, Hayley advised that giving and receiving feedback should be seen as a 50-50 responsibility. It is essential to approach feedback with a factual, helpful, and respectful attitude, leaving the recipient to interpret and process it. Cultural sensitivity also plays a role in how feedback is given and received, and understanding the other person's perspective can help navigate these conversations more effectively.

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Overall, the episode with Dr. Haley Lewis offered a wealth of insights into the power of feedback, the role of silence, and the art of leadership. Whether you're looking to enhance your feedback skills or navigate this landscape more effectively, the episode is a valuable resource. It underscores the importance of honest, evidence-based conversations, empathy, and understanding in shaping effective leaders and productive workplaces.