Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – Episode: "Want Honest Feedback? Here’s How to Get It"

Release Date: March 27, 2025
Hosts: Jason Feifer (Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur) and Nicole Lapin (Money Expert)

Introduction

In this episode of Help Wanted, hosts Jason Feifer and Nicole Lapin delve into the crucial topic of obtaining honest feedback in professional and personal relationships. They explore the barriers that prevent open communication and provide actionable strategies to create environments where genuine feedback thrives.

Understanding the Barrier to Honest Feedback

Jason Feifer opens the discussion by highlighting a common yet often overlooked issue: the reluctance of others to voice their thoughts and concerns. He states, “You may not realize it, but somebody is afraid to talk to you” ([03:21]). This fear can stem from various sources, such as fear of being a burden, fear of rejection, or uncertainty about the appropriateness of their requests.

To illustrate this, Feifer shares a relatable anecdote from his friend Jenny Wood, a former Google executive and co-host of the show. Jenny recounts a moment where she remained silent about the freezing temperature in a Lyft car, despite being uncomfortable. “The other day I got into a lift to the airport. The car was freezing. However, I shivered silently instead of asking the driver to turn on the heat” ([03:21]).

Feifer emphasizes that such instances are not isolated. Many people hold back their needs and feedback, leading to strained relationships and missed opportunities for improvement.

The Power of Giving Permission

The core solution presented revolves around granting explicit permission for others to communicate freely. Feifer explains that while you might believe you've fostered an open environment, without continuous reinforcement, people might forget or hesitate to reach out.

Jenny Wood serves as a prime example of someone who effectively gives permission. During her tenure at Google, she established weekly office hours to encourage her team to approach her without reservations. “Jenny created a weekly block of time for office hours. She sent an invite that said, ‘Anybody can book a 20-minute slot with me,’ along with conversation topics like ‘A project you're excited about’ or ‘Something fun you did this weekend’” ([04:45]).

This approach lowers the barrier for initiating conversations, making team members feel valued and heard without the pressure of having a significant issue to discuss.

Practical Strategies to Foster Open Communication

1. Structured Availability:

   • Office Hours: Allocate specific times each week dedicated to open dialogue. This regularity signals your ongoing willingness to listen.
   • Flexible Scheduling: Offer various time slots to accommodate different schedules, ensuring accessibility for all team members.

2. Provide Conversation Starters:

   • Listing potential discussion topics can alleviate the anxiety of what to bring up. Jenny’s inclusion of casual topics like weekend activities helps in making the interaction less intimidating.

3. Personal Outreach:

   • Jordan Harbinger's Approach: Feifer mentions his friend Jordan Harbinger, who sends periodic personal texts asking, “Hey, how you doing? Anything I can help with?” ([06:30]). This direct yet casual approach opens the door for others to seek assistance without feeling like they’re imposing.

4. Lowering the Stakes:

   • By reducing the perceived importance of the interaction (e.g., offering five-minute slots as opposed to longer meetings), you make it easier for others to engage without fear of wasting your time.

5. Consistent Reinforcement:

   • Continuously affirm your openness to receiving feedback. This ongoing gesture ensures that others remain comfortable and confident in reaching out whenever needed.

Challenges and Solutions

Feifer addresses potential challenges in implementing these strategies:

• Perception of Availability: Simply stating that you’re available isn’t enough; you must consistently act on it. Regularly scheduled office hours and follow-up communications reinforce your commitment.

• Overcoming Anxiety: Both parties may experience anxiety—those seeking feedback and those receiving it. Creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment helps mitigate these feelings.

• Sustaining Effort: It requires ongoing effort to maintain open lines of communication. Making it a routine practice ensures that it becomes an integral part of your leadership or personal interaction style.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Feifer concludes by issuing a challenge to listeners: actively give someone permission to share their thoughts and feedback. Whether it’s with your team, a partner, or a friend, taking deliberate steps to invite open communication can significantly enhance your relationships and leadership effectiveness.

He encapsulates the essence of the episode with the metaphor, “Relationships are like bridges... put up a giant flashing neon sign that says yes,” encouraging listeners to make it unmistakably clear that open communication is welcome.

Nicole Lapin reinforces the message and invites listeners to engage further by submitting their work problems and questions through the show's helpline, ensuring continuous support and community building.

Key Takeaways

• Granting Permission: Actively create opportunities and signals that encourage others to share feedback and express their needs.
• Structured and Casual Approaches: Balance formal methods like office hours with informal touches such as personalized messages to foster a comfortable environment.
• Consistent Reinforcement: Make openness a routine part of your interactions to maintain trust and communication flow.
• Practical Implementation: Use conversation starters and flexible scheduling to lower barriers and reduce anxiety around giving and receiving feedback.

By implementing these strategies, listeners can cultivate stronger, more transparent relationships in both their professional and personal lives, leading to enhanced collaboration, trust, and overall satisfaction.

For More Help: If you have work-related questions or need personalized advice, email the hosts at helpline@moneynewsnetwork.com for a chance to have your question featured on the show.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing actionable insights and illustrating the importance of creating an environment where honest feedback is welcomed and facilitated.