Episode 112
How to Create a Feedback Culture that Drives Team Growth
Leading with Intent: Feedback’s Role in Leadership and Team Growth
Join host Sannah Vinding as she welcomes returning guests Damien Croft, General Manager at Norcomp, and Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey, to the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast. Together, they explore the art and intricacies of giving and receiving feedback in leadership roles within the manufacturing industry.
In this episode, you will discover:
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- The Role of Feedback in Leadership: Learn how Damien Croft and Shane Zutz incorporate intentional feedback as a fundamental pillar of leadership and culture within their organizations.
- Building a Culture of Trust: Understand the importance of cultivating a culture rooted in trust and openness to foster effective feedback and collaboration.
- Effective Feedback Strategies: Gain insights into striking the right balance between constructive criticism and positive reinforcement to enhance team performance.
- Navigating Leadership Challenges: Hear personal anecdotes from Damien and Shane on the critical moments of learning and growth through leadership missteps and the power of reflection.
- The Intersection of Feedback and Professional Growth: Explore how ongoing dialogue within a team can lead to actionable outcomes and personal and professional development.
- The Importance of Time and Reflection: Discover why taking the time to reflect and consider the context is crucial in delivering impactful feedback.
- Vulnerability in Leadership: Recognize the value of embracing vulnerability and transparency as a leader to build stronger relationships and drive organizational success.
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Damien and Shane’s shared experiences and insights into leadership and feedback will equip you with practical strategies to enhance your leadership prowess in the dynamic landscape of manufacturing.
Tune in to elevate your leadership skills and create a thriving feedback culture within your organization.
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“Know when to lead and make sure you’re not trying to manage people, but lead them, and I think that’s a different mindset as well.”
Key takeaways
Cultivating a Feedback-Driven Culture:
Building a strong feedback culture requires an intentional approach rooted in trust and openness. Leaders must create an environment where feedback is not feared but embraced as a tool for growth and improvement. This means fostering blameless problem-solving and addressing issues head-on to prevent problems from festering.
Balancing Feedback and Reflection:
Effective feedback delivery is not just about timing but also about thoughtful reflection. Taking the time to understand the context and focus on key feedback points can prevent misunderstandings and enhance growth. Leaders should also be willing to acknowledge their mistakes, using them as opportunities for self-improvement and transparent communication.
Prioritizing Mission-Critical Feedback:
When providing feedback, prioritizing mission-critical issues over mission-support tasks can significantly enhance organizational objectives. Leaders should align feedback with the organization’s core goals to ensure impactful outcomes and meaningful development within their teams.
“Acknowledgment is powerful. When someone is recognized, they feel valued and confident, much like a plant that thrives when watered.”
“If you’re not screwing up from time to time as a leader, you’re not being a very effective leader because you’re not pushing your leadership and trying new things.”
Show Notes:
In Episode 112 of the “Leadership In Manufacturing Podcast,” host Sannah Vinding welcomes back Damien Croft, General Manager at Norcomp, and Shane Zutz, Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey, to explore the intricacies of feedback in leadership.
Key highlights from the episode include Damien’s introduction of the concept “lead with intent” and his emphasis on the necessity of blending high expectations with high support. He advocates for a feedback-rich culture rooted in trust and a blameless problem-solving approach, which fosters an environment where challenging issues are tackled head-on with openness and collaboration.
Shane complements the discussion by highlighting the significance of cultural foundation and trust in order to maximize the impact of feedback mechanisms, such as one-on-ones and team meetings, and warns against relying on impersonal, checkbox-style management practices.
The guests further discuss the importance of taking time to reflect and offering feedback thoughtfully. They share stories of personal learning experiences, underscoring vulnerability as a powerful tool for leaders. Damien recounts a recent feedback challenge that turned into a valuable lesson in self-reflection and the necessity of fully understanding the context of feedback scenarios.
They also acknowledge the evolution of leadership dynamics, noting that effective leaders often learn and grow from occasional mistakes. Shane emphasizes the importance of framing feedback constructively, striving to address singular impactful aspects rather than overwhelming individuals with multiple areas at once.
Throughout the episode, Sannah, Damien, and Shane provide insightful perspectives on fostering a feedback culture that enhances team empowerment, embraces continuous learning, and drives organizational growth within the manufacturing sector.
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Guests
Shane Zutz
Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey
Shane Zutz is the Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKey Electronics, where he is instrumental in driving organizational performance and leading a global team through significant digital transformation. With over 5 years at DigiKey, Shane has overseen substantial growth and expansion, implementing key initiatives that support over 5,000 employees worldwide.
His leadership is informed by a rich background in education, having served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, where he managed a $26 million building project and introduced state-recognized programs. Shane holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and degrees from Bemidji State University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.
Damien Croft
General Manager at NorComp
Damien Croft is a seasoned leader in the high-tech electronic component industry with over nine years of experience at NorComp. As General Manager, he spearheads the growth and development of individuals and teams, ensuring sustainable and profitable P&L growth. Under his stewardship, NorComp has capitalized on significant growth opportunities, driven by its core competencies in engineering and manufacturing highly reliable connectivity products.
Damien’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has untapped potential. He is passionate about building high-performing teams that excel through mutual trust and collaboration. His approach fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and creativity, enabling him to consistently deliver results.
Before his current role, Damien held key positions such as Director of Sales and Global Account Manager at NorComp, where he honed skills in sales forecasting, strategy, and lead qualification. Damien’s career journey also includes leadership roles at EDAC Connectors and MH Connectors, where he significantly contributed to sales growth within the EMEA region.
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