The Power of Feedback: Building Thriving Communities
“Feedback isn’t about judgment or correction. It’s about improvement and growth, a conversation about possibilities.”
Ben Davis discusses the power of feedback in building thriving communities.
Feedback is a key part of what we do at St Martin’s Multi-Academy Trust. It’s an area we are trying to get better at – both as individuals giving and receiving feedback, as well as tools we can use across our schools to gain insights. When we listen to each other and engage in honest dialogue, we strengthen trust, foster collaboration, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Our Staff Engagement Survey is a good example of a tool we use to gather feedback. With staff sharing their experiences and perspectives, we have valuable insights into what we’re doing well and where we can grow. It’s encouraging to see so much clarity around roles and access to tools, but there’s always room for growth, especially in areas like recognition and team connections. We want to improve the proportion of staff feeding back through this survey as it complements face-to-face interactions.
“Feedback isn’t about judgment or correction. It’s about improvement and growth, a conversation about possibilities.”
One of the great strengths of our Trust is our openness to feedback—not just in surveys but in everyday conversations. Whether it’s through our Wellbeing Forum, team discussions, or informal chats, we encourage everyone to share their views. Feedback isn’t a one-off event; it’s a continuous process that helps us live out our vision of being “a place to thrive.
Curiosity: The Driver of Growth
At the heart of thriving communities is curiosity. When we ask questions, seek to understand, and explore new ideas, we unlock opportunities for innovation and growth. This is evident in recent conversations about AI in education. We’ve created a dedicated Teams channel for anyone interested in this emerging field, allowing for the sharing of ideas and giving feedback to one another about how effective different approaches are. It’s a great example of how we embrace curiosity as a Trust and encourage one another to grow.
Our fundamental shift in our appraisal process is based on self-driven improvement and good quality feedback being provided to help reflect and develop.
“The best feedback is given with care and clarity. It’s not about being harsh; it’s about helping someone do better because you care.” Kim Scott (from Radical Candor)
When giving feedback, we are working on striking a balance between positivity and constructiveness. Acknowledge and celebrate successes and accomplishments, reinforcing the idea that a person’s efforts are valued. However, also be candid about areas that require improvement. Emphasise that feedback is a stepping stone for growth and not a criticism of their abilities.
Recognition is important and needed to continue to motivate hard working staff (and pupils). A simple word of appreciation goes a long way in motivating and boosting morale.
A Thread Through Everything We Do
At St Martin’s, our values of trust, respect, and compassion aren’t just words—they’re the thread running through everything we do. Feedback, curiosity, and collaboration all link back to these principles. They guide how we interact, how we make decisions, and how we support one another.
For example, our blog on It’s Good to Talk explores the importance of open communication in fostering trust. It’s a reminder that feedback isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong; it’s about creating connections and finding solutions together.
Feedback: The Foundation of Trust and Growth
As Brené Brown says, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” At St Martin’s Multi-Academy Trust, we believe feedback is a way to show care, foster growth, and strengthen relationships. It’s about being honest and clear to support each other in becoming the best we can be.
Empowering Growth Through Meaningful Feedback
Feedback isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about shaping the future of our Trust. By listening to one another, we can strengthen our shared vision and build an environment where everyone—pupils, staff, and families—can thrive.
As leaders in St Martin’s MAT, we recognise the transformative power of feedback in optimising staff performance and fostering excellence. By approaching feedback as an art, delivering it timely and with specificity, and nurturing a growth mindset, we create an environment where our staff can continuously learn, develop, and thrive.
By offering continuous support and cultivating open communication, we empower our staff to reach new heights and contribute to our shared vision of a thriving community.