The Power of Feedback: Unleashing The Individuals Innovation Ideas

Imagine the scene: two aspiring individuals, overflowing with ideas and enthusiasm, stand before the leadership of a prominent organization, ready to share their innovative vision. But sadly, their feedback falls on deaf ears, dismissed without consideration. Like any successful leader, they take matters into their own hands, leaving the company to establish their own ventures.

These individuals are, the creators of WhatsApp as an example. They are Brian Acton and Jan Koum who worked for Yahoo. When not listened to, they left to build their own company, built WhatsApp then sold it to Facebook for approximately US$19 billion.

The above scenario repeated on, Instagram: Kevin Systrom, a former employee of Nextstop. He left and co-founded Instagram, which became one of the most popular photo-sharing platforms globally. Facebook later acquired Instagram for a billion USD.

Also with Square of Jim McKelvey, a glassblower and entrepreneur, faced difficulties accepting credit card payments for his artwork due to limited technology options. He shared his frustration with Jack Dorsey, a programmer and entrepreneur, who understood the problem. Despite being initially rejected by their employer, they co-founded Square, a company that revolutionized mobile payments and grew into a major company with assets worth US$31.36 billion in 2022.

Finally, but not least, Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey, a virtual reality enthusiast, developed a prototype for a virtual reality headset but faced resistance within the gaming industry. Undeterred, he founded Oculus VR, which garnered attention and support from a wide range of investors. The company was subsequently acquired by Facebook, with US$2 billion in 2014.

Having said the above, we still see many organizations (or I say (leaders/directors, managers), because most organizations include the culture in their culture without real application) where they don’t understand the profound impact of feedback and the consequences of ignoring it. In today’s ever-evolving business world, feedback stands as a bonfire of collaboration and innovation. It empowers employees, fosters engagement, and fuels growth. Let’s explore the transformative power of feedback within organizations and its far-reaching implications.

Take Google, for instance, renowned for its dedication to feedback and inventive thinking. By granting employees “20% time” to pursue and develop their own idea projects, Google tapped into the wellspring of creativity. This culture of feedback birthed groundbreaking products like Gmail and Google Maps, proving that listening to employee insights can unlock unprecedented success.

Meanwhile, Netflix understood the pivotal role of feedback in shaping its trajectory. Embracing transparency and open communication, Netflix invites employees to share their ideas freely. This collaborative environment birthed innovative strategies that propelled the company to the forefront of the streaming industry. Feedback, in its truest form, became a catalyst for growth.

 Yet as I mentioned above, not all organizations have harnessed the power of feedback. Blockbuster serves as a cautionary tale, its top-down management approach and we are the minds master who know all mindset, stifling the flow of ideas. Devoid of feedback channels, Blockbuster failed to adapt, succumbing to the forces of change. The lessons are clear: neglecting feedback inhibits creativity, stifles innovation, and leaves companies vulnerable to obsolescence.

 Beyond internal stakeholders, external voices are equally vital. Airbnb recognized the transformative potential of stakeholder feedback. Through initiatives like “Ask Anything” sessions, the company fosters open dialogue with customers, propelling continuous improvement and shaping the future of hospitality.

But what happens when feedback is ignored? Individuals with fresh perspectives and untapped potential find their voices unheard. The company records lose and ends failing to achieve their targets. Usually, they cover it with a lot of excuses until the truth prevail.

Feedback is not just a buzzword; it is the lifeblood of progress. Organizations that embrace feedback as a cornerstone of their culture empower their workforce to contribute their unique insights. This collaborative approach leads to heightened creativity, improved decision-making, and heightened employee engagement. By nurturing a feedback-driven environment, organizations can adapt to change, exceed customer expectations, and outshine the competition.

Embrace the power of feedback and unlock a world of untapped potential. Let us embark on a journey where collaboration, innovation, and growth are propelled by the voices of those who dare to share their ideas. Together, we can reshape industries, revolutionize markets, and create a brighter future.

 Leveraging Feedback for Agile Project Portfolio Success

 Similarly, in the dynamic landscape of project management, the integration of feedback is crucial for both Agile projects and effective project portfolio management. Let’s explore how feedback plays a pivotal role in driving collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across project portfolios.

 Within Agile project management, feedback takes Centre stage. Agile methodologies emphasize the value of continuous feedback loops, iterative development, and stakeholder involvement. Agile teams actively seek feedback at regular intervals, whether through sprint reviews, retrospectives, or daily stand-up meetings. Stakeholders, customers, and end-users provide insights that shape the direction of the project, ensuring alignment with requirements and expectations.

 The Agile Manifesto principles reinforce the importance of collaboration and flexibility. “Customer collaboration over contract negotiation” emphasizes the need to engage stakeholders and customers throughout the project, actively seeking and incorporating their feedback. “Responding to change over following a plan” recognizes the value of feedback-driven adaptation, allowing projects to pivot and address emerging needs effectively.

 As Agile projects progress, feedback contributes to iterative improvements. User stories and acceptance criteria capture stakeholder feedback, shaping the product’s functionality and prioritizing features. Retrospectives and daily stand-up meetings provide opportunities for the team to reflect on their performance, gather insights, and implement adjustments for continuous improvement.

 Expanding beyond individual Agile projects, feedback also plays a vital role in project portfolio management. Portfolio success relies on strategic alignment, effective decision-making, and optimizing resource allocation. By integrating feedback mechanisms, organizations can foster a culture of feedback and innovation at the portfolio level.

 Incorporating stakeholder feedback within project portfolio management enables organizations to assess project outcomes, refine selection criteria, and prioritize initiatives that align with strategic goals. Post-project reviews and analysis of performance metrics provide valuable insights to refine project management practices and inform future portfolio decision-making.

 By embracing feedback at both the Agile project level and the portfolio level, organizations can achieve significant benefits. Feedback-driven improvements lead to enhanced collaboration, accelerated innovation, and increased stakeholder satisfaction. Continuous improvement becomes ingrained in the project portfolio management process, enabling organizations to adapt to changing market dynamics and deliver high-value outcomes.

 In conclusion, feedback is a linchpin that connects organization with Agile project management and project portfolio management. It empowers teams to respond to evolving needs, drives innovation, and ensures strategic alignment. By embracing feedback as an integral part of the project lifecycle and portfolio decision-making, organizations can unlock their full potential for success in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Finally, If you have really Innovative and Feedback welcoming culture, How many new ideas your employees generate for you last year and what benefits the organization and the employee get from approving and adopting it?

If your answer is ZERO, then you have a serious problem.

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