Partner Feedback Loop

A unique approach to getting honest feedback about management style by focusing on what employees tell their partners, rather than direct feedback from employees themselves.

Core Concept

• Employees are more likely to share honest opinions with significant others than directly with management
• What people tell their partners at home is considered "truth serum in action"
• Direct feedback from employees can be unreliable due to power dynamics

Implementation

• Focus on learning what employees' significant others think rather than direct employee opinions
• Don't rely on direct feedback from team members
• Recognize that it's difficult to get someone's real opinion in a direct reporting relationship

Key Benefits

• Gets more authentic feedback about management style
• Bypasses professional courtesy barriers
• Provides more accurate picture of employee satisfaction
• Helps understand true impact on team members' lives

Philosophy Behind Approach

• Creates environment where people can become their best selves
• Focuses on being high value to people's lives
• Aims to be good steward of both business and people
• Values authentic feedback over filtered responses

Context

• Used successfully at Braintree
• Part of broader management philosophy focused on employee development
• Demonstrates understanding of human nature and feedback dynamics