Use This Simple Feedback Method For Instant Feedback In Meetings And Workshops
How to get constructive and insightful feedback.
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Many folks struggle to ask, let alone give feedback in a structured way.
Still, it’s one of the most crucial things for improving and learning. And the shorter the feedback loop, the quicker the evolution of something.
Think of how much you could learn about communicating more effectively.
For example, if you would ask for feedback in a simple but effective way each time you held a meeting or a workshop, had a discussion or an argument, or even implemented a partial solution to an existing problem, to see if you are on the right track.
You would be a learning machine.
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Key Takeaways
Ask for feedback by having people start their sentences with “I like, I wish, I wonder”.
Foster an open, collaborative yet structured feedback culture in your projects.
It’s a simple enough, yet powerful technique to not only get to what could be improved but also to understand what went well and learn what other topics could be addressed in the future.
Gathering feedback during your projects is crucial for continuous improvement and team growth.
Today, I'll show you how to use the powerful "I like, I wish, I wonder" feedback method to elevate your project management skills and foster a culture of open communication.
By mastering this method, you'll unlock clearer insights, encourage constructive dialogue, and create a positive environment for your team to thrive.
The result?
More successful projects, stronger team relationships, and accelerated personal growth.
Unfortunately, many project managers struggle to implement effective feedback techniques.
Why?
The primary reason is fear of confrontation.
Other common obstacles include:
Lack of structure in feedback sessions.
Difficulty in encouraging honest responses.
Inability to translate feedback into actionable improvements.
Time constraints in busy project schedules (this is a big one!).
I'm going to show you how to overcome these challenges and harness the power of the "I like, I wish, I wonder" method in your projects.
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Ask what went well by having people intro their feedback with "I like"
Start by asking team members to share what they liked about the project, process or event. This sets a positive tone for the feedback session.
Beginning with positives is crucial, as it creates a safe space for open dialogue. It acknowledges successes and boosts team morale, making participants more receptive to constructive feedback later.
For example, in a process re-design workshop, a team member might say, "I like how we involved representatives from all departments in the initial brainstorming session. It gave us a comprehensive view of the current process."
And without bragging, it’s nice to receive a pat on the shoulder for work done well.
Step 2: Getting to the good part with "I wish" statements
Next, encourage participants to express their wishes for improvement using "I wish" statements.
This frames suggestions constructively rather than as complaints.
Many project managers go wrong here by allowing vague or generalized statements. Instead, guide your team to be specific and action-oriented in their wishes.
For instance, a team member might say, "I wish we had allocated more time for testing the new process before full implementation. An extra week of trials could have helped us identify and address minor issues more effectively."
Boom! Learnings for next time, right then and there.
Step 3: Learn more about what people are thinking or are anticipating with the "I wonder" component
Finally, invite team members to share their thoughts, reservations or worries with an "I wonder" phrase.
This opens up possibilities to also think about potential future risks and encourages creative thinking.
And it moves the conversation beyond immediate problems and solutions, fostering a forward-thinking mindset. It allows team members to explore new ideas without the pressure of immediate implementation.
In our process re-design example, a team member might say, "I wonder if we could create a digital dashboard to track real-time metrics of the new process. This could help us quickly identify bottlenecks and make data-driven adjustments."
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The perfect format to gather feedback with the “I like, I wish, I wonder” method
There isn’t a perfect, one-size-fits-all format really, to use with this feedback approach.
I personally have used it on a flip chart which I divided into three sections, one section for each one of the three steps. Then encouraged the team to write their feedback points onto post-its and stick them to the flip chart.
This also works great on a digital whiteboard.
Or you can just ask people to share their feedback verbally by guiding them through the method.
It really depends on how many people and how much time you have for the feedback session.
Bottom line: By following these three steps, you're not just collecting feedback; you're creating a structured, positive, and forward-looking dialogue. This method helps you boost team morale, gather insights, and generate innovative ideas all at once.
Remember, the key to success with the "I Like, I Wish, I Wonder" method, as with any feedback collected, is consistency and follow-through. Use this technique regularly in your projects. Don't forget to act on the feedback you receive.
Your team will appreciate being heard, and you'll see tangible improvements in your projects and team dynamics.
So, are you ready to transform your feedback sessions and take your project management skills to the next level?
Give the "I Like, I Wish, I Wonder" method a try right now by replying to this e-mail and let me know what you think about my newsletters.
Happy learning.
PS: What is a technique you regularly use to collect feedback?
