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The Surprising Downside of Instant Performance Feedback

A study of 382 Singapore drivers found scores dropped 13.3% after they saw real-time ratings, with some driving riskier. Feedback can backfire.

🌟 The Unexpected Impact of Instant Feedback on Our Behavior

Hey LinkedIn Fam! Let's talk about a recent study that turns our understanding of feedback on its head. The revelation? Instant feedback might not always be the golden key to improvement we thought it was. Intrigued? Read on! πŸ§πŸ“‰

πŸ” The Study: Behind the Wheel with Real-Time Feedback

Picture this: 382 drivers in Singapore, all hoping for an insurance discount, agreed to let an app monitor and rate their driving. But here’s the twist - the study, conducted by Masha Shunko and colleagues, found that driving scores actually dropped by 13.3% after drivers reviewed their ratings. Talk about a U-turn in performance! πŸš—πŸ’₯

🚦 Feedback: A Double-Edged Sword?

We've always been told feedback is beneficial, right? Well, this study challenges that belief. While some improved after seeing their ratings, a significant number engaged in riskier driving behaviors, such as increased speeding. The takeaway? Instant feedback isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. πŸ€·β™‚οΈπŸš¨

🧩 Understanding the Feedback Effect

Why this counterintuitive response to feedback? It might be about goals and motivation. If you're near your target, you might relax a bit too much. But if you're far off, you might feel your goal is out of reach and lose motivation. It's a delicate balance! βš–οΈπŸŽ―

πŸ”¬ The Research Methodology: Rigorous and Controlled

To pin down the cause of this drop in performance, the researchers controlled for various factors like location, time of day, and driving frequency. Their conclusion was clear: the act of reviewing feedback was the game-changer. πŸ•΅οΈβ™€οΈπŸ“Š

🌐 Real-Time Feedback vs. Traditional Methods

Here's another curveball - this study looked at real-time feedback, which is different from the traditional annual or monthly reviews. This immediacy means you can respond quickly, but as we see, that's not always for the better. πŸŽοΈπŸ’¨

πŸ“š Applying These Insights

So, what can we take away from this study for our own performance improvement strategies? Tailoring feedback to individual needs is key. Some might thrive on immediate feedback, others on comparisons to past performance. The goal? Find what works best for you. πŸ‘πŸŒŸ

πŸ“ˆ Feedback’s Long-Term Impact? Surprisingly Limited

Interestingly, the study found that the effect of feedback was short-lived, lasting about two trips before fading. This suggests that while immediate feedback can jolt our behavior, it might not have the lasting impact we assumed. πŸ“‰βž‘οΈπŸ”„

βš–οΈ The Broader Implications of Real-Time Feedback

Think beyond driving – this study has implications for other areas like fitness and diet apps. The key lesson? Not all feedback works the same way in every context. It's about understanding and adapting to how different types of feedback affect us. πŸ€”πŸ’‘


🚦Conclusion

As we navigate the fast lane of feedback in our professional and personal lives, this study offers a crucial insight – instant feedback might just be a speed bump rather than a highway to better performance. It's all about finding the right approach that drives us forward effectively! πŸš—πŸš¦

Originally published on LinkedIn .

Amr Elharony
Delivery Lead, Mentor, FinTech Author & Speaker β€” bridging banking and technology to deliver measurable digital transformation across MENA.

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