In this week’s email
What’s on our mind: When feedback becomes a weapon at work
Sign up for our next free webinar in September
Playschool Accelerator is back! Secure your spot now
Techish Tuesdays on YouTube
Free inclusion resources
Chandler: “You totally screwed him over.”
Monica: “Joey, you're this guy's teacher. I mean, how could you do this?”
Joey: “Because, Monica, the guy's so good. And I really, really want this part.”
The One with the Race Car Bed, Friends
Endearing most of the time, Joey Tribbiani is known for doing just about anything to get his big break. When he finds himself in competition with his student for an upcoming role, Joey chooses to give himself the advantage by plying his rival with insincere advice. Sound familiar? This is a very real example of weaponised feedback and there’s nothing funny about it.
What do we mean by ‘weaponising’ feedback? Well, ‘to weaponise something means, quite straightforwardly, to turn it into a weapon’ against the receiver. (The Guardian). But, unlike a dagger or pistol, it’s not always easy to spot in the workplace.
Often ‘disguised as being well-intentioned’ (Select Human Resources), weaponised feedback from a colleague can appear helpful. However, it’s actually used to gain power and exploit others. Yikes.
Not to be confused with constructive criticism, which, according to the American Psychological Association’s Research Paper “Just Letting You Know”, is ‘instrumental in aiding learning and performance.’ Radford University agrees with this, stating that ‘constructive feedback is a tool that is used to build things up, not break things down. It lets the other person know that you are on their side.’ Weaponised feedback does the opposite.
Not only does this calculated language maliciously disadvantage others, it also:
Creates a toxic working culture
Decreases trust
Lowers office morale
Discourages teamwork
Damages colleague relationships
So, how can we recognise weaponised feedback? Think about the intent. Feedback, both positive and negative, should always be intended to ‘aid’ the individual – not hurt them.
Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels
How to eliminate weaponised feedback in your place of work:
Transparency is key: Create an open and honest dialogue with your team, and champion honesty, wherever possible.
Consider your language: Be careful how you use feedback yourself. Make sure it’s always clear, considerate and cooperative.
Dig a little deeper: If you’re suspicious of a line manager or colleague implementing weaponised feedback, try asking them ‘why’, and what the end goal might look like. Remember, you can also escalate it further, if necessary.
If you ask us, the boardroom needn’t be a battlefield. It’s time to ditch the deceit and embrace a transparent work culture.
For more information, visit our Insights page: www.hustlecrew.co/insights
Join our next free webinar in September & invite your team along
Looking for training to help you navigate moments of tension in your team? How do you challenge the views of someone who doesn’t share your lived experiences? How can you collaborate effectively when you don’t always share the same language, culture or norms? Our Head of Learning & Development, Benjy Kusi, is here to help you gain important skills you can put into action right away. Register now via this link.
Playschool Accelerator is back for 2024!
Last year Hustle Crew launched it’s first ever accelerator to help founders who value inclusion take their startups to the next level. This year we’re focused on B2B founders looking for sales and business coaching to reach their goals faster. If this sounds like you secure your spot now as spaces are limited. Apply now via this link.
Techish Tuesdays are here!
Your Tuesdays just got better: You can now enjoy the podcast by subscribing on YouTube.