Feedback in Organizations as Living Systems

Transforming Feedback: How to Make Your Team Soar?

In the world of organizations, feedback is like the wind beneath a team’s wings. When it blows strong and in the right direction, it can lift them to great heights. But beware—when mismanaged, it can bring them to a halt. If your goal is for your team to soar, it’s time to review how you handle feedback. Are you using it to criticize or to empower?

At Fabrika, we view organizations as living systems: dynamic, evolving, and full of life. Just like organisms, companies need constant feedback to adapt and evolve in an increasingly uncertain environment. But here’s the key: not all feedback is the same. There are two main types that determine whether we are clearing the path or filling it with obstacles.

1. Critical or Appreciative Feedback? The Choice Matters!

Critical feedback is like that friend who always tells you what you’re doing wrong. It’s not necessarily bad, but if all you hear are corrections, where does motivation fit in? On the other hand, appreciative feedback helps you grow and believe in what you do well. At Fabrika, we call it the "engine of the team" because it builds confidence, motivates people, and improves communication.

For years, traditional organizations have relied solely on corrective feedback to address deviations, but this approach often paralyzes progress. As Carol Sanford says, "Giving people information that paralyzes them is not a good idea." To make a team shine, you need feedback that strengthens their strengths and motivates them to keep improving.

2. Feedback in Organizations: An Echo Game!

Did you know that feedback in a team doesn’t just flow top-down? Just like in ecosystems, where everything is interconnected, feedback in an organization creates cycles that affect the entire system. Every comment, gesture, and action generates a response that, in turn, feeds the flow of information.

That’s why at Fabrika, we emphasize creating safe spaces for feedback. Imagine a room where everyone can express their ideas and emotions without fear of judgment. When people feel that their voices are heard, their motivation skyrockets. And not just that—the cohesion of the team improves too! It’s like watering a plant: if you give it what it needs, it will grow healthy and strong.

3. Demotivating Criticism or Inspiring Opportunities?

At Fabrika, we believe that appreciative feedback is key for teams to move forward. Instead of saying “this is wrong,” try asking, “What can we do to improve it?” When you ask the right questions, you’re not just giving feedback—you’re inspiring! Feedback should serve to make the team reflect, take action, and align with the organization’s inspiring purpose.

Feedback isn’t just a tool to correct mistakes; it’s also a way to recognize achievements. A well-timed “great job” can make all the difference between a team that stalls and one that keeps innovating. No one feels motivated when they think they’re doing everything wrong!

4. Feedback for Living Systems: How to Get It Right?

Here’s the interesting part: in a living system like an organization, not all feedback is received the same way. What might feel like a great boost to one person might seem like overwhelming criticism to another. That’s why it’s important to consider not only what is said but also how and when it is said.

The secret? Create safe spaces where people can openly discuss what motivates and frustrates them. In an environment of trust, feedback flows naturally, without creating resistance or misunderstandings. And if you add tools like Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and empathetic listening, you’ll see how conversations improve and conflicts turn into growth opportunities.

5. End with a Bang: Celebrate Achievements

One of the secret ingredients of a high-performing team is celebration. Yes, celebration! When a team reaches a goal, takes a step forward in their development, or completes a challenging project, it’s time to acknowledge it. Celebration is not just a way to relieve tension; it’s also a key tool to strengthen cohesion and motivate the team to keep giving their best.

In Summary…

Feedback isn’t just a tool for correction; in any living system, it’s a path to growth and renewal. At Fabrika, we work with teams to transform how they communicate, aligning with the principles of the New Culture. Well-delivered feedback can ignite a team’s engine, making it stronger, more effective, and more adaptable.