There’s Something in Your Teeth: Building a Culture of Honest Feedback in Business
In the business world, finding someone who will point out “there’s something in your teeth”—whether literally or figuratively—can be invaluable. It might be uncomfortable to hear that something is out of place, but it’s far worse if no one is willing to say anything. For organizations in the B2B tech and B2B services sectors, fostering a culture where employees feel empowered to speak up when they notice something amiss—and where leadership is open to receiving that input—can be the difference between success and failure.
Encouraging a Culture of Constructive Feedback
Building a strong feedback culture starts with hiring people who have the skill and willingness to bring attention to critical issues. Whether it’s about a product flaw, a customer service shortfall, or even internal practices that aren’t aligned, these employees can act as a company’s early warning system. According to research by Harvard Business Review, constructive criticism and open feedback improve employee engagement and lead to better decision-making and problem-solving across all levels of an organization.
However, feedback is only valuable when it’s constructive. Just as you’d want someone to quietly tell you if there’s spinach stuck in your teeth, there’s skill in delivering difficult information with tact. Employees who can express concerns constructively help create a foundation of trust and mutual respect, which is essential for organizational health.
Why It’s Vital for Leadership to Listen
The willingness of leadership to accept and value this feedback is equally essential. When management dismisses or disregards these “uncomfortable truths,” it can erode trust and discourage employees from speaking up in the future. Gallup research highlights that only three in ten employees strongly agree that their opinions count at work, and this perception gap can limit a company’s potential for growth and resilience.
Leaders and managers need to recognize that accepting constructive criticism can be challenging, but that the feedback often represents a sincere effort to drive improvement. Actively inviting and valuing feedback—even the feedback that’s hard to hear—builds trust across teams and empowers employees to contribute to the company’s success.
Developing the Skills to Notice, Present, and Accept Feedback
- Skill in Noticing: Being able to spot areas for improvement isn’t just a talent; it’s a skill that can be developed. Employees with strong attention to detail who are invested in the company’s success are often the first to identify issues that need addressing.
- Skill in Presenting: Bringing up uncomfortable topics in a constructive way is crucial. Employees who frame their feedback thoughtfully, focusing on solutions rather than blame, help foster an environment where open dialogue is not only accepted but encouraged.
- Skill in Receiving: For leaders, receiving feedback constructively can be challenging. However, studies show that leaders who respond positively to feedback foster loyalty, engagement, and long-term success within their teams.
Celebrating a Feedback-Driven Culture
Creating a culture that values constructive feedback starts with celebrating the behaviors we want to see. Managers who publicly appreciate team members for providing helpful input, even when it’s uncomfortable, send a powerful message that speaking up is valued. This approach also reminds teams that even when conversations are challenging, they’re rooted in a shared desire to drive the company forward. There is also skill in offering praise that matters.
Courage in Speaking Up
For organizations that value a culture of transparency, ensuring that feedback flows both ways can be transformative. Hiring people who will point out the “something in your teeth” moments, equipping them with the skills to share feedback constructively, and welcoming this input as leaders are vital steps toward building a resilient, growth-focused organization. Embrace the skill, courage, and commitment required on both sides of the conversation—because in business, these often uncomfortable truths can make all the difference.
Fostering a culture where constructive feedback is valued will not only elevate the organization but also enrich relationships, strengthen bonds, and ultimately drive success across all levels.
How can I find these people?
When you need to find talent that will point out the “something in your teeth” moments, we can help. Artemis Consultants is the premier purpose driven executive staffing company, delivering talent worth the hunt. We exist for two reasons. To help B2B Technology and SaaS enabled companies advance and grow by recruiting highly qualified talent. And to provide people career opportunities that positively impact their lives.
