Power of Candid Feedback
One of the greatest pings I ever got on Google Chat (while working in Singapore):
“Hi Brian, it sounds like you’re having a very enthusiastic meeting. That’s great! But can you please take meetings from the meeting rooms? I have a hard time focusing on my work in noisy environments and it would be appreciated.”
I’m a pretty loud talker. My family is one of the noisiest ones I’ve ever met, as the partners of my siblings and I remind us at family gatherings. We chat away, talking louder and louder over each other, while they all sit huddled in a corner trying to find a moment of peace and quiet. You can tell what my siblings and I are like when we’re together from the photo below.
Being a loud person is far from a charming trait, and one I’ve unsuccessfully tried to curb in my 22 years in Asia Pacific.
When we slowly returned to the office in 2022, I frequently popped in my AirPods and took calls and meetings from the floor, as I was used to the floor being empty while most people still preferred to work from home. I was thrilled when a co-worker sent me the above message.
Sure, it was a bit embarrassing at first, but it was such a kind yet direct way for my colleague to let me know I was intruding into their quiet space by taking a video call from a semi-public space instead of somewhere more private. It took a lot of courage, and came from someone who was much better at working quietly.
I was happy because instead of allowing my obliviousness to linger and potentially impact multiple people across the floor - or worse, do lasting damage to my reputation - I was clearly yet politely told what I was doing wrong, and how to correct it.
That’s one of the biggest lessons we emphasize in leadership training and team development training: clarity and courage in communication. Whether in an office or in an escape room training session, feedback delivered at the right moment can make the difference between success and breakdown.
I smiled to myself, sent a return message thanking the person for the feedback, and later discussed it in person to let them know how much I appreciated them telling me instead of keeping it bottled up inside.
It’s a good lesson for both sides of tricky feedback situations. If someone needs feedback, they’ll probably appreciate it - especially if it’s wrapped in kindness. And if you’re the one receiving it, remember the bravery it takes for someone to step forward. Showing appreciation for their courage not only strengthens trust but also builds the kind of culture great team building is made of.
That’s why our leadership escape room training programs in Singapore weave feedback and reflection into every session. Just like in an escape room Singapore challenge, clarity, kindness, and communication are what unlock growth.
