Thursday 27 May 2004 saw the launch of Feedback and Development around the world.

You asked for better feedback so the aim is to get staff and their managers talking to each as much as possible.

Communication is the best way to avoid misunderstandings, share ideas and assess work situations.

So, whether it’s a casual chat in the lift or a working lunch – get talking!

Let’s get talking!

If we want to deliver the very best to our audiences and be the most creative organisation in the world, we all need to understand what we do well and what we need to improve.

The solution can be as simple as talking and listening to each other – regularly and honestly.

All our people are entitled to ask their line manager for feedback about their work, wherever they are based around the world.

Under the new Feedback & Development framework, managers are encouraged to engage in regular conversations – Feedback Chats – with their staff and carry out a BBC appraisal at least once a year, even if they are based in different geographical locations.

If you’re working in the same place, this could be as simple as going for a coffee or having a chat when you’re on a journey. It may seem more difficult if you are located in different countries or time zones from each other.

But make time to talk via the phone and set up regular calls about how things are going. If possible, try to have a face-to-face chat at least once a year.

How does it work?

Of course, not everything may transfer culturally, or practically, around the world, but the principles of Feedback & Development are for everyone.

• Don’t know where to start? Try talking about what you both think is working particularly well. What areas do you find difficult? How can you get better at what you do? How can you do more of what you’re good at? How might you develop your skills?
• If you can’t talk face-to-face, use the phone for feedback chats. E-mail can be a bit impersonal and easily misunderstood, but it may be the best way to get in touch if you and your manager are in different countries or time zones.
• Take extra care if your feedback chats involve two people whose first languages are different from each other.

The pan-BBC appraisal form can be downloaded from the Feedback & Development website on Gateway (the BBC's intranet). If you don't have access to Gateway, ask your manager

The paperwork is simpler, allowing you to concentrate on the quality of the conversation itself – including your achievements, setting objectives and your personal development plan.

BBC Worldwide and BBC World people have their own online appraisal system. Everyone in the BBC is entitled to an appraisal at least once a year.

Good feedback transcends boundaries, both cultural and geographical. Feedback & Development is for you whether you’re located in the same office as your manager or team member, or half way round the globe.

For more information, why don’t you ask your manager for a Feedback Chat!

Feedback & Development is an initiative provided by BBC Training & Development

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