Tips on creating a judgement-free idea-sharing environment

Have you ever wanted to share something with the team, but before you did, different thoughts started running through your head? 

What if it’s silly, what if it fails, am I ready to do this… and so on.  

Well, I am here to tell you that you’re not alone! It’s totally okay to feel so. 

Fear around sharing ideas is perfectly normal, but it should not hold you back. 

I’ll share with you reasons why sharing ideas is important both for you and your team’s growth, and how you can fight anxiety at work. 

You should always remember that actually sharing ideas that you think might be silly, can lead to changing the world. 

“If you hold back from expressing your thoughts, you will miss out on stimulating conversations, debates, competition, feedback, the opportunity to improvise, and most importantly, the chance to come up with a breakthrough solution.” 

Tips from us 

Sometimes, all you need to do is just have the courage to ask. You can’t even imagine how much people are willing to give to you! 

You can always start by asking the team for a meeting, even in the café, if that makes you feel more comfortable.  

Share the idea, ask for feedback. The team can help build on it. 

Something you need to realize is that team feedback is always to make things better. 

Even if after everything gets done and your idea still fails, understand that failing doesn’t mean stopping, it’s actually: Try again with what you’ve learned! 

Teamwork can be a big challenge, especially when it comes to good communication. For the team to function, it’s important to know your teammates, as well as be self-aware. 

How many times have you found yourself with a lot of communication problems in the middle of a project, asking yourself how you got into that mess? 

Most teams jump into projects without asking the important questions in the beginning.  

So, before starting a project, we set goals, roles and team expectations. 

1. What are the goals for this project? 

2. Who is doing what and their responsibilities? 

3. What do I expect from myself and others, and how are we going to communicate? 

Giving & Receiving feedback 

What we call effective feedback and what you should avoid when giving feedback 

When giving feedback: 

The way you give and receive feedback is intuitive. But you can transform feedback into a positive experience where you make the other person feel valued. 

Before criticizing someone, ask yourself what you would have done with the level of their experience, and you’ll realize that you have an opportunity to be a great leader to this person. 

Instead of only mentioning negative aspects, show your support by giving ideas for the issues you have raised and create a non-judgmental environment, where they feel free to ask you more questions. 

1. Feedback and advice lead to better performance and motivation. 

2. Praise their improvements. 

3. Try to avoid judgements and don’t let it get personal. Find solutions together. 

4. Be direct, say what needs to be done. It’s not easy for your teammates if they have to guess what you want to say. 

5. Don’t speak for other people, speak from your perspective. 

6. Don’t mention only the stuff you don’t like, try focusing on the problem. 

7. Remember that when feedback is delivered badly, it can leave the receiver confused and demoralized. 

8. Remind that person that the idea is still theirs, you’re just helping build on it. 

9. Use encouragement, let them know it’s not a big mistake.  

10.  Make sure to end the discussion on a supportive note. 

When receiving feedback 

1. Keep an open mind. Take it at your own pace. 

2. Try not to get defensive straight away. 

3. Welcome the disagreement. Don’t overthink it, focus on why others can’t see it the same way you do, and work to improve it. 

4. If your teammate is raising a point you didn’t consider, it’s good that it was brought to attention. That problem would have still occurred later on. 

5. Remember feedback does not mean your work is wrong. 

6. Listen, and then explain what you had in mind and what you wanted to achieve. 

7. Ask for suggestions or solutions to help you in your development. 

Now, we know that feedback is important for growth and improvement. 

And we know that effective feedback is something that can be earned, making a difference for the better. 

My advice for you is: 

Outcome is not in your hands but effort is. Focus on the amount of effort you put into something & don’t overthink yourself into self-rejection.