Imagine feedback as a versatile Swiss Army knife—it holds the power to enhance every aspect of any project. Its magic works based on how we dissect our tasks, which ultimately decides who contributes their insights and the criteria for offering that feedback.
- An outsider, like a customer or stakeholder, can evaluate a vertical slice without knowing the inner workings of the process.
- An expert, familiar with the specific methodologies, provides feedback on a horizontal slice, focusing on the end product.
Vertical slice feedback opens the door to creativity and inspires ownership, fostering a culture of constant enhancement. In contrast, feedback on horizontal slices hones the skills needed for specific tasks. The underlying truth: whatever receives feedback flourishes and advances.
Exploring Internal and External Learning
Reflecting on my experiences, both internal and external learning are heightened when feedback focuses on vertical slices, propelling productivity forward.
- External learning identifies key elements that influence a project’s success, highlighting which slices are impactful.
- Internal learning evolves with adaptations or changes within processes and projects, enhancing team dynamics and boosting productivity.
Immediate feedback accelerates team efficiency. Feedback delayed is feedback forgotten—imagine practicing guitar and having to wait ages to hear your performance. Immediate response makes all the difference.
The timeliness of feedback is crucial for learning. Instantaneous feedback allows us to recall decisions and identify areas for improvement. Business meetings discussing lessons learned months later lack the immediate impact needed for true growth. Speed is the game-changer.
Vertical slicing becomes pivotal here. If feedback from stakeholders hinges on a process taking months, your learning curve suffers. However, breaking projects into vertical slices achievable within weeks can significantly boost learning and project propulsion.
Not too long ago, technology seemed aloof and intangible. Yet, humans, unchanged in their biology from our hunter-gatherer ancestors, have swiftly adapted to the digital era with smartphones and evolving tech ecosystems.
Embracing Change
In an ever-changing world, whether it’s evolving technology or day-to-day life adjustments—like adapting to a new locale—we gradually find advantages amidst transitions.
As humans, cognitive flexibility is in our DNA, and feedback ignites this adaptability. Recognition of an unexpected outcome sparks growth—whether it’s mastering the art of a baked delicacy or fine-tuning guitar skills. Without feedback, true learning and improvement stall.
Thus, the object of our feedback becomes crucial. The way tasks are divided significantly influences learning. Feedback confined to skill execution improves that skill specifically. In contrast, project-wide feedback nurtures holistic growth, benefiting both individuals and teams.
My textbook project is a testament to this. Productivity soared when feedback illuminated how to deliver a cohesive and comprehensive index for the textbooks. Team members, focused on the collective goal of one complete book, adapted and thrived within a demanding framework.
Conclusion
Although it might seem counterintuitive, embracing broader roles and receiving comprehensive feedback enhances productivity. Encourage feedback around whole projects, and people will rise to the occasion, working swiftly and producing superior outcomes.
Instituting a vertical system where feedback is integral empowers individuals and teams to proactively tackle potential challenges. While unpredictability isn’t eradicated, navigating it becomes far more manageable with the right tools.
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