In the News: When Does Employee Feedback Stall Progress?

In the News: When Does Employee Feedback Stall Progress?

Many leaders understand that employee feedback needs to be timely and specific. But it’s less clear how much feedback is needed, and at what point feedback creates a contentious environment.

Some companies, like Netflix, practice “radical transparency,” which entails blunt public assessments directed at individual employees. Managers reportedly use this technique during performance evaluations, and peers offer critiques one-on-one and in group settings. If someone is considered for a promotion, for example, the conversation can take place office-wide, and any employee could voluntarily contribute their opinion.

Netflix’s radical transparency creates a continuous feedback loop—which can put staff on edge. But its advocates argue this technique also drives employee performance and innovation.