Since launching Carmen Carbone Leadership Development and Recruiting, I’ve received more feedback from candidates and clients than ever before, even more than when I was leading large companies. This got me thinking about the phrase, “It’s lonely at the top.” Is that really true? I believe it has more to do with the culture you’re creating or the one you’re part of. High-feedback cultures, outperform others—period.
Why Feedback Matters More Than Ever
Feedback is the lifeblood of any thriving organization. It fuels growth, ignites passion, and keeps people aligned with their purpose. When you’re leading a team, especially at the top levels, it can feel isolating. But that loneliness often stems from a lack of communication and constructive feedback, not the position itself. A culture rich in feedback ensures everyone feels heard, valued, and engaged, which in turn drives higher performance.
Creating a High-Feedback Culture
So, how do you cultivate a culture that thrives on feedback? Here are a few key strategies:
- Encourage Open Communication: Make it a priority to create an environment where people feel safe to speak up. This starts with you, the leader. Be transparent about your own challenges and ask for feedback on your performance.
- Make Feedback Regular and Routine: Don’t wait for the annual performance review to give feedback. Make it a regular part of your interactions. Quick, constructive comments during meetings or one-on-one sessions can have a significant impact.
- Recognize and Reward Feedback: When team members provide valuable feedback, recognize it. Show appreciation and, if possible, implement their suggestions. This not only improves the business but also reinforces the importance of a feedback-rich culture.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behavior you want to see. If you want a culture where feedback is the norm, you need to be the first to give and receive it graciously.
- Train for Effective Feedback: Not everyone is naturally skilled at giving or receiving feedback. Provide training to help your team learn how to communicate effectively and constructively.
Feedback Fuels Performance
Feedback sets people on fire—it gives them purpose and lets them know that, as a leader, you’re paying attention. It’s the difference between a team that is simply going through the motions and one that is passionately engaged and committed to excellence. In my experience, when you create a culture of high feedback, you’re not just building a team; you’re building a high-performance engine that drives success.
If you’re not giving or getting feedback, you’re about to be outperformed. It’s as simple as that. In today’s competitive landscape, organizations that foster open, honest, and frequent feedback will always have the edge.
Building a high-feedback culture isn’t just about avoiding loneliness at the top; it’s about outperforming your competitors. It’s about creating an environment where everyone, from the frontline to the executive suite, feels engaged, motivated, and aligned with the company’s vision. So ask yourself, what are you doing to give feedback within your culture? The answer could be the difference between staying ahead or falling behind.
Let’s make feedback a priority, not just for the sake of performance, but for the sake of building better, more connected, and more resilient teams.