How feedback became the formula for success at Consumers Union
In the 'Treams Customer Stories' series, we discuss with customers their Treams adventure. In this edition, we give you a unique look behind the scenes at the Consumers' Association. We all know them, but did you know that this organization has completely reinvented itself in recent years? And that a feedback culture is essential to their success? This Treams customer story is a must-see for modern organizations that want to make feedback and reflection a habit.
For whom.
HR and ambitious managers in the field of people
By whom?
Iris Zonneveldt, CEO - Treams & Monique van de Beek and Ben van der Eijk, Consumers Union
Working with feedback in practice: the power of good example!
The Consumers Union transitioned from a traditional organization in 2019 to self-organization based on the holacracy principle. The old way of judging no longer fit with that. The Consumers' Association had to reinvent itself in that sense. Working with feedback became an essential part.
The initial situation
Challenges
- Traditional assessment does not fit self-direction
- How do you keep paying attention though, without ratings?
Wishes
- stimulating entrepreneurship
- activating self-direction
- creation of a mature feedback culture
Current situation
Where previously managers were in the lead, now common goals determine direction and collaborations. Feedback is an essential part of that. On the MTO, feedback traditionally scored less well. There is a clear upward trend in that. It is cool to hear when employees indicate that they have gained valuable insights.
How
The Consumers Union follows the Baarda roles system where the starting point is not the function, but the person. When they started working with feedback in Treams, they visited all the teams to make the how and why clear. When Ben came to work at Consumers Union, he noticed that the basis was very good, but that feedback exchange in practice was still somewhat disappointing. He started with his own team and took the lead in asking for feedback. That turned out to work. He rolled out his approach to other teams, with a desire to eventually phase himself out.
Like Consumers Union, do you want more self-direction and individual growth plans? Is working with feedback also on your HR agenda? Request a demo right away! Get to know the Treams platform and learn more about our active customer community.
Are you triggered by the Consumers Union story? Do you want to know more about their experiences, tips and learning points? Then listen back to the candid conversation between our CEO Iris Zonneveldt and Monique van de Beek and Ben van der Eijk of the Consumers' Association.
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With Treams' simple software you give your employees what really motivates them: clear goals, feedback and development perspectives. Our data tells you exactly what's going on and how to get the most out of your people.