“feedback breeds feedback, and reflection breeds reflection”
Stephen Zwart, VP Stamicarbon
Not long ago, we were reflecting with Stephen Zwart and the rest of the management team of Stamicarbon. He shared his experience of a recent meeting with some of his colleagues. He tried to practice the capacities that were developed during the Soul-driven leadership course: “it was a very animated meeting. People were engaged; it was uplifting.” By the end of the meeting, he observed that everybody looked happy. But he also noticed that all tasks ended on his plate.
He decided to share this with the team: he gave them feedback. What followed was a free sharing of “feedback” to each other, between the participants of the meeting. The atmosphere started to change; a little bit more negative. Somewhere halfway the process, he understood what was happening and immediately changed: “instead of pointing out the wrongs of others, I started to reflect out loud upon my own behaviour.” Soon, the other team members started to reflect upon their behaviour as well and how this impacted the group.
His primary learning from this experience was: “When I give feedback to others — pointing out areas that others can improve upon — it encourages an environment of providing feedback to each other. And, when I show that I can reflect upon my own words and actions, it appears that others also start to reflect upon their own words and deeds. In short: feedback breeds feedback, and reflection breeds reflection”.
One may argue that Stephen did not give “real” feedback and that he maybe was blaming others. But this is something we see time and again happening. Giving feedback to others makes many people defensive and encourages the listing of shortcomings of people. The practice of reflection seemed much more effective in finding a suitable solution to move forward as a group. Stephen learnt that by showing the behaviour you are looking for, you inspire others to do the same.
Stephen followed Soul-driven leadership book 1 (#trust) and 2 (#hope). Soul.com is accompanying the MT and the organisation in developing and applying individual, institutional and organisational capacities. Currently, the MT is studying the materials from book 3 (#solidarity) in order to create a purposeful movement inside (and outside) the organisation.
