Good and bad feedback.

The 2020 talent survey, powered by Create Consult Research, with feedback from over 200 announcers from all over Australia. 

“I don’t like people but I’m desperate for their affirmation” Scott Galloway - host of the Pivot and ProfG podcast 

We asked you to describe the sort of feedback you’re getting from your CD.

Ok, so let’s start with what not to do. If you’re a content director, try not to be this person.

“Not much at all, only when I do something wrong”

“Not much to zero.”

“Only what not to do”

“It’s pretty casual - stuff like, good job guys and that’s about it.”

Mediocre praise - “yeah, that was good” and that’s about it.

Radio silence - I guess no news is good news?

None, hasn’t been a part of the show meetings for 9 months.

Ouch.

See if you can be more like these leaders.

“She always has supportive observations”

“He’s accurate, fair and honest.”

“His question to me at the start of every week. “what can I do for you this week?”

“She’s always honest, positive and constructive”

“I need a CD who will give me the big picture and then let me fill in the rest.”

“I like constructive criticism, it means the CD cares.”

“My CD gives me specific, tangible tips and direction that I can work on the next day.”

“I like having unbiased ears on the show. I need some outside perspective.”

The momentum of a morning show is often driven by an inner confidence from the hosts. For younger shows and new shows that confidence will come from the recognition and clear direction they receive from their CD.

In my experience, good feedback comes from multiple interactions across the course of every day and every week, not just with your breakfast team and workday announcers, but with all members of your product team.

I remember Jamie Angel explaining a typical day for him when he was running 2mmm.

"Here’s a tip, leave the office door open. Typical day is 94% people management , 5% playing awesome tunes on the wireless, 1% on the toot.

Be available for your shows, your producers, your core content team, jocks, sales, executive team and Fitzy ... and not necessarily in that order.

All need clear direction, information, re assurance, feedback, brainstorming, troubleshooting and hugs. Typically... unplanned “chats” with people... is most of my day"

The most respected programmers, the ones that genuinely make a difference, have done it through feedback. Leave the door open,(if you have one) and keep the conversation flowing. Lots of little interactions and being present for your team whenever they need you is how to move the station forward.

Next week the Game Changers podcast is back with more conversations and insights on the 2020 talent survey with Tracy Johnson, NZME’s Todd Campbell, Corus Entertainment’s Ronnie Stanton, MMM’s Jay Mueller and more.