Start-Stop-Continue Method for Leadership Growth

One of the key responsibilities Leaders hold is to foster an environment where continuous improvement and candid communication are not just encouraged but embedded in the companies culture.

Over the years, we have seen various strategies come and go, but one feedback method that has consistently stood the test of time and proved invaluable for both personal and organisational development is the Start-Stop-Continue (S-S-C) approach.

The brilliance of S-S-C lies in its simplicity. It provides a structured yet flexible framework for obtaining direct, actionable feedback, facilitating meaningful conversations that produce impactful results.

Here’s how this method can be a game-changer:

The S-S-C Framework

1. Start:
– What do you need me to start doing/doing more of?

Identify new actions or behaviours your team would like you to adopt.
This could range from initiating new strategies to improving communication channels.

2. Stop:

– What do you want me to stop doing or minimise?

Determine what current practices are no longer serving the team or the organisation’s goals. It involves understanding the activities or behaviours that might be hindering productivity or morale.

3. Continue:

– What do you want to ensure I continue to do/enjoy doing as a team?

Recognise what’s working well and should be maintained. This reinforces positive practices and gives you insights into what team members value in your leadership style.

Why S-S-C Works

What we find most compelling about S-S-C is its directness and how it fosters a culture of transparency. It pushes for improvements and prioritisation, strengthens alignment, and supports effective teamwork and project execution. Importantly, it enables me to receive honest feedback on my leadership performance and understand how to help my team’s success better.

Facilitating anonymity is crucial for honest and candid feedback. By electing a representative or a small team to collect and maintain the S-S-C responses confidentially, team members feel safe and secure in sharing their true thoughts. This representative is also responsible for providing additional clarity on the feedback if needed, ensuring that everything gets noticed in translation.

The team needs to evolve due to changing dynamics within the team, department, company, or even the industry at large. To stay attuned to these shifts, we advocate conducting the S-S-C exercise at least annually or in response to significant changes or projects. This ensures that feedback is always timely and relevant, allowing us to adapt strategies as necessary.

When executed effectively, the S-S-C method can help leaders grow alongside their teams.
This technique has been instrumental in identifying blind spots, celebrating strengths, and continually refining the support we provide. It’s a tool that not only aids in personal
development but also builds a more cohesive, efficient, and motivated team.

We encourage every leader, regardless of your industry, to give S-S-C a try. Embrace the feedback with an open mind, act on it with intention, and watch as your leadership and team dynamics improve fundamentally.

Trust us, the results are well worth the effort.

At PerformHR, we specialise in helping businesses develop and implement robust workplace culture and leadership practices. Are you ready to transform your workplace culture and experience the benefits of a cohesive, motivated, and engaged team? Contact us today to start your journey towards a stronger, more vibrant workplace culture.

Call today on 1300 406 005 or email us at info@performhr.com.au.