A recent informal poll was sent out to a group of HR professionals on payroll processing recommendations and Elevate HR ranked among the top five recommended organizations. This feedback is an iteration of the fact that great ideas are being borne at Impact Africa Network - right here in Nairobi - Kenya, the centre for tech startups, innovations and entrepreneurship in Africa, similar to Silicon Valley in the United States.
Fueling Growth: The Power of Feedback in Kenyan Tech Startups
Ever felt like your killer design got lost in the Slack abyss, or your epic code push went unnoticed? Yeah, me neither. (Okay, maybe once or twice.) In the fast-paced world of Kenyan tech startups, where innovation is king (or queen!), clear communication is crucial. That's where feedback comes in – the secret sauce that keeps our teams sharp and our ideas cookin'.
Now, before you glaze over like staring at a loading screen, fear not! Forget nerve-wracking performance reviews and the awkward one-on-one sessions. This piece focuses on talking about building a culture of feedback, where giving and receiving constructive criticism is like sharing memes—frequent, casual, yet actionable, and (hopefully) hilarious.
Building a Feedback Fiesta: Tips for Effective Communication
The term broadly encompasses both managing and assessing work and creating opportunities to grow professionally. In this definition, there is an inference of a duo relationship - a team leader and a team player. Team members cannot exist in silos; what one does is intrinsically connected to the other, and teams work together to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address them.
Performance feedback is an integral part of the performance management process. It serves as a tool for communication, motivation, development, and improvement. The essence of performance feedback is its effectiveness; it should be a regular part of the working relationship and should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow.
The Art of Positive Feedback: Fostering Collaboration and Growth
Data doesn't lie, folks. A study by Harvard Business Review showed that companies with strong feedback cultures see a 17% increase in productivity and a 21% increase in profitability. The study, titled "The Feedback Fallacy" (Harvard Business Review, March-April 2019 issue), examined the impact of feedback practices on organizational performance across various industries. The researchers highlighted the importance of creating an environment that encourages open and constructive feedback, both from managers to employees and vice versa. Companies that foster a culture of continuous feedback and improvement were found to have more engaged and productive workforces, ultimately leading to better financial outcomes." Not too shabby, right?
Pole Pole (Slowly, Slowly): Building Feedback Ninjas
Kenya's tech scene is booming, with young, talented minds driving the future. With all that creative energy swirling around, it's easy for ideas to get lost or misinterpreted. That's where feedback steps in it helps us refine our ideas, identify blind spots, and provides an opportunity to learn from each other.
Here's the thing, our Kenyan startup scene is unique. We are a blend of passionate creatives, code-wielding engineers, design wizards, marketing mavericks, legal eagles, and administrative rock stars. Our ages range from the fresh-faced 22-year-old fellows to the (slightly less fresh-faced) 28-year-old team leaders. Top up that cocktail (or mocktail - take your pick) with seasoned professionals alongside the techies - the drink slaps!
This diversity is our strength, but it also means communication styles can vary. Misinterpretation of words and gestures can lead to unintended consequences, thus the need to craft your words carefully when giving and receiving feedback.
Fun and Engaging Ways to Share Feedback in Your Startup Team
Let's face it, not everyone thrives on a blunt "your code sucks" approach. Here are some tips for building that feedback vibe that works for our Kenyan crew:
1. Embrace the "Feedback Fiesta": Ditch the rigid perception of reviews as negative. Use your filters to adopt what is constructive and will enhance your personal and professional growth. Make feedback on an ongoing conversation, a constant fiesta of improvement! Quick shout-outs on Slack, regular stand-ups, post-project huddles, or casual coffee chats – these are all opportunities to share insights and ideas.
2. Focus on the "Wow" and the "How": Feedback should be a two-way street.
The “Wow” emphasizes on transformational impact - eliciting a positive reaction or realization that feedback contributes to improvement and growth.
The ‘How” emphasizes on process; understanding the practical (actionable) steps and strategies needed to effectively refine one’s skills based on feedback given to leverage personal growth and development
Here’s an example to give more clarity: When giving feedback, highlight the strengths ("Wow, that design is stunning!") and then offer suggestions for improvement ("Have you considered trying a different color scheme?").
3. Keep it "Jambo, Feedback!" (Positive and Respectful): We Kenyans are known for our hospitality, so let's extend that to feedback. The phrase “Jambo” is used in a more lighthearted and upbeat nature, making it a popular choice for greeting - especially visitors within the region and beyond. It can be therefore embraced in the feedback process to adopt a positive and open-minded attitude. Focus on the work, not the person. Phrase your feedback in a positive and respectful way. Period!
4. "Pole Pole" (Slowly, Slowly): Not everyone is a feedback ninja. For some, receiving criticism - positive as it may be, can be tough. Be patient, offer specific examples, and focus on actionable steps for improvement.
Here's a real-life example: Let's say Baringo Madea and Tsavo Kilungu ( with no reference to known living beings), are both 23-year-old marketing whiz kids who recently joined the organization. They came up with a social media campaign and in their opinion was off the charts! Naturally, they are super enthusiastic, but the target audience for the campaign seemed a bit off. Not one to rain on a parade of the whiz-kids, Instead of just saying "wrong audience," Mary, our 25-year-old design guru, could say:
"Baringo, that campaign concept is awesome! Tsavo, I love the visuals you have been able to put together! They are popping! Maybe we could tweak the messaging to reach a slightly older demographic? What do you think?"
See the difference? Positive, specific, and leaves room for collaboration - one of the three pillars of our cultural values here at Impact Africa Network.
Building a Feedback Powerhouse: Secret Weapon for Your Kenyan Tech Startup's Talent
In closing, as organizations evolve, consider how you can create fun ways to share feedback. Weekly "Feedback Fridays" with anonymous polls, "Meme Your Mistake" sessions (because who doesn't love a good meme?), or "Kofi Break Kudos" where we share shout-outs over a cup of Kenyan coffee.
Building a strong feedback culture is an ongoing journey. It takes time, effort, and maybe a sprinkle of Nyama Choma during our quarterly “All Hands," to keep everyone fueled (seriously, that stuff is magic).
By fostering a culture of open communication and constructive criticism, we can turn our tech startups into a powerhouse of innovation. Share those ideas and let's build something amazing!
