How to Make Giving Feedback a Fun Game
How to Make Giving Feedback a Fun Game
Let’s face it—feedback is a word that makes most people shudder. But what if feedback didn’t have to be this stiff, uncomfortable process? Imagine a workplace where feedback is fun, playful, and something people actually look forward to!
When we reframe feedback as a game, something magical happens: engagement skyrockets, creativity blooms, and real, lasting change takes hold.
Ready to shake up the way you think about feedback? Let me introduce you to the concept of fun feedback—an approach that can transform how your leadership team communicates and collaborates. It’s all about breaking free from the stale, fear-inducing methods of the past and embracing something more energetic, open, and yes… fun!
And, spoiler alert: You don’t have to figure it out on your own. I’ve created a Free Leadership Games Playbook packed with easy-to-implement games and fun feedback practices to help you bring a playful twist to your workplace.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how fun feedback can create lasting change in your organization.
From Tension to Play: The Fun Feedback Revolution
Traditionally, feedback feels like a performance review—a tense moment when you brace yourself for the dreaded "constructive criticism." But when we make feedback playful, we completely change the dynamic. Suddenly, it’s not about pointing out flaws but about unlocking potential. Playful feedback is like adding a dash of creativity and curiosity to your interactions.
Picture this: instead of a sit-down feedback session, your team gets together to play a game that not only builds connections but also encourages honest, meaningful conversations. Fun feedback works because it engages people. They’re no longer afraid of what they’ll hear; they’re excited to learn, experiment, and grow.
Why Fun Feedback Is a Game-Changer (Literally)
Incorporating play into feedback isn’t just for kicks—it creates real change. Here’s why fun feedback sticks:
No More Defense Mode: People naturally lower their guard when they’re having fun. Fun feedback allows teams to receive input without feeling attacked, opening the door to real transformation.
It’s Incredibly Engaging: Games, playful challenges, and interactive feedback sessions pull people in, sparking excitement. It’s the difference between a draining meeting and one that has people buzzing with energy.
Play Encourages Experimentation: When feedback feels like an experiment rather than a critique, employees are more likely to take risks and try new approaches. Innovation thrives in this environment!
Stronger Team Connections: Fun feedback fosters trust, empathy, and collaboration. When you bring humour and play into feedback sessions, it builds bonds between team members, leading to more cohesive and creative teams.
Fun Feedback in Action: Ideas to Get You Started
Now, here’s where things get exciting. Let’s talk about how to bring fun feedback into your workplace. Here are a few playful ideas to transform your next feedback session:
Feedback Bingo: Who says feedback can’t be a game? Hand out bingo cards with different types of feedback—like “new idea,” “constructive critique,” or “team shoutout.” The first person to fill out a row gets a small prize. It turns feedback into a dynamic, team-driven activity.
Role-Reversal Feedback: Shake things up by letting employees and leaders switch roles. Imagine the insights when employees give feedback to their managers in a playful “If I were in your shoes...” format. It’s fun, it’s eye-opening, and it levels the playing field.
Spin-the-Wheel Feedback: Create a feedback wheel with categories like “Something I appreciate about you” or “A fun challenge for next week.” Spin the wheel and let the fun (and feedback) begin!
Post-it Praise: Keep it simple but impactful. Scatter colourful Post-its around the office where people can write and leave quick feedback or praise for their colleagues. These small acts of appreciation keep feedback light, fun, and continuous.
All of these activities—and many more—are packed into my free Leadership Games Playbook! It’s designed to give you the tools to inject fun into your feedback processes and create a more connected, engaged team.
Why Fun Feedback Creates Lasting Change
Playful feedback doesn’t just create a better atmosphere; it leads to long-term transformation. People stop fearing feedback and start seeking it out. It becomes part of your culture, fostering a growth mindset where employees are curious, open, and motivated to improve.
Plus, when feedback is fun, it becomes consistent. It’s no longer a one-time event or something reserved for annual reviews—it’s part of everyday conversations. Teams build a culture where feedback is a natural, ongoing process. And when it’s delivered in a playful way, it’s much more likely to stick.
Grab Your Free Leadership Games Playbook!
If you’re ready to bring the fun into feedback—and see how it can create lasting change in your team—grab my Leadership Games Playbook. It’s full of practical, easy-to-implement games and practices that will transform your feedback process into something your team will look forward to.
Let’s ditch the dread and make feedback an opportunity for connection, growth, and, most importantly—play. Because when feedback is fun, everyone wins!
Download the free Leadership Games Playbook now and start seeing the impact of playful leadership in your workplace. It’s time to level up your feedback game—literally!
If you’re thinking it’s time to create a more collaborative, innovative, and connected workplace, let’s chat! I’d love to show you how playful leadership games can take your team to the next level. Book a call today to discuss how I can help you bring these tools into your workplace—and transform the way your team works together.
