Tell Me About Myself: Feedback as a Tool for Growth
Ivanna Pohrebniak
AB Games
- Hall:
- Air Hall (Production Track)
Feedback is different from criticism. Feedback is aimed at growth; it is a support for moving forward, work done with a green pen. Properly given feedback motivates and provides direction, and it doesn't trigger a desire to get defensive or make excuses, or a feeling of resentment.
What the talk is about
Ivanna Pohrebniak explains how her company built a feedback culture and why it matters for team growth. Feedback is a response to an action or event, not a judgment of the person, while criticism triggers defense or attack and blocks progress. She advises starting from a positive foundation: name specifically what worked, say thanks, and speak in "I" messages about your own feelings and needs, grounded in facts. Feedback should be personal, timely, regular and concrete, with only one to three points at a time. The plan for change should be authored by the employee, so you don't take over their responsibility. She also describes the company's formats: one-to-ones, retrospectives, surveys, coaching and non-violent communication clubs. Useful for team leads and managers.