Sunday, September 07, 2008
Courageous Feedback
I have spent the past month asking for peer feedback on various aspects of my business—everything from product offerings & service levels to personal presentation style. The purpose of my asking is to become a better business owner...create more value for the client, offer what my target market wants (not what I think they want), and communicate with my team effectively. The responses were helpful but it felt like there was some holding back from the group. This made me curious.
It takes a certain mindset to be totally open to what others may perceive as a flaw. It requires leaders to examine the information and act on it. It requires your peers to provide courageous feedback. They take a risk in giving you input even though you asked for it. If you believe you are getting harsh criticism, here are my 5 Tips for Graciously Receiving Negative Feedback:
1. Listen to everything that is being said. You respected the person giving the feedback so hear them out.
2. Do not judge or critique the person providing you feedback. If you truly want to be a better leader, examine the information - not the messenger.
3. Put the information into context. Think about any comments from the perspective of the other person.
4. Pay attention to trends. My rule of thumb - If 3 or more people tell you the same thing, then there is a 99% chance it’s the truth.
5. Say THANK YOU to everyone you asked for feedback. Provide them with your action plan of those areas you will improve.
Proceed with the intent of implementing changes that make sense - you did, after all, solicit the advice.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie