The personal, positive feedback loop has always intrigued me because of its power and effectiveness. As much as I want to talk about Jimi Hendrix, or Jeff Beck, they will have to wait because this irrefutable feedback loop overshadows anything else. It is based on a person showing someone else appreciation for something he or she has done. And from the moment the recipient receives that positive approval, respect and trust are born. The feedback loop is definitely the best tool in the toolbox, so I want everyone to turn it up loud, and let’s talk about feedback.
Feedback is a two-way street, paved with gold. People sometimes confuse the idea with praise, but it’s more dimensional and more powerful than praise. For example, praise is generally short and to the point: “Hey, great job on the display” or “The guitars look good; nice job.” We use praise as a tip of the hat, or a nod of appreciation. So, praise is a “pat on the back” moment, and a good one!
Feedback, on the other hand, creates a loop, an interaction, between the source and the player. It’s much more elastic, three dimensional, creative, and sustaining. Take the same scenario between two employees: “Man, the guitar display looks amazing. What made you think to do that? When I saw what you were going for, it made me think of how we could also…”
You see, with feedback you not only have the opportunity to engage and expand, but also to praise and inspire! Positive feedback gives us the chance to make someone feel better, and that can raise the energy in your business. It’s at that point that communication reaches a new height. When we utilize this tool in a constructive way, we are sustaining growth in relationships. Think of affirmative feedback as an elixir; in fact, it’s the best elixir (with the exception of the popular Elixir guitar strings!) because it changes the condition of people.
I like to think of the feedback loop as a 360-degree exchange, not much different than a reflection from a hall of mirrors. The trick is to inject appreciation with the hope of a positive response. When that happens, you have a volley beginning. It’s through sustaining that volley, or feedback loop, that creative ideas can develop.
The posterchild for a feedback loop is social media. Don’t believe me? Look me in the eyes and tell me that when you post something fun, you don’t check your feed a hundred times a day, when your friends start leaving comments. Remember, I follow you, so don’t lie! Everyone does it. Even the artist Weyes Blood made her debut single about it. Check it out. The title is “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody.”
The trick is learning how to use the feedback loop to your advantage in business, or as a productive tool in relationships in general. If we think about the way great guitarists have used feedback through the years, we have a good map. They keep the technique in their pockets until that special moment arises, and then the magic happens. Just ask the Beatles (“I feel Fine,” anyone?).
In Closing
The idea for this topic came to me because of all the people who have taken time from their busy schedules and workdays to share with me when they have read something in the column that resonates personally with them. Talk about effective feedback. It takes the ideas from the paper and energizes the thoughts into working relationships. We call that a WOW moment! I would be remiss if I didn’t follow my own advice and recognize the feedback loop that readers of this column have created. In my opinion this is what the column is all about: Small Business Matters!
I also want to shout out to the MMR team of Christian Wissmuller and Mike Lawson who have supported me at every turn. The way that I see it is this is your column, so thanks for letting me know when I get it right, and never hesitate to let me know if you feel otherwise. I’m a drummer; I can take it! My music teacher from years ago would never let me get away with anything, and you shouldn’t either.
Thanks for the support!
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