#39—How we doin?

To get quality feedback, one must first feed something forward.

By embracing generativity and collaboration, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities. The energy we put out is compounded and returned, creating a regenerative fusion that propels us towards our mission.

Without a constant intention (constant and intention are equally important in this phrase), we end up in a contracting feedback spiral—a circle rather than a loop—losing momentum even as the circle gets smaller.

Indeed, most feedback loops are spirals, not loops. We've lost sight of feeding forward and now think of feedback as the whole thing rather than understanding it as the least important half. We look inward and downard, expecting affirmation for what is already in place, change if we must, and even minimize or avoid further feedback because we don't like the negativity and further constriction. Where is the mission in this?

In a feed-forward loop, every action is a step toward mission. This focus on the end goal keeps us determined and moving forward, unlike the 'we will if we must' response of the feedback spiral.

How are we doing? The question is a feedback, death spiral inquiry.

What if we....? The question that generates possibility and builds collaboration toward the dreams we hold. ??

Going Deeper—

This:

Not This:

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/stopping-negative-downward-spiral-cindy-leavitt/

In My Backpack—

Lonely Planet–Denmark

Traveling, almost life-long, Lonely Planets guides are my runaway favorite. Directions, context, and just enough information to get you started. My wife and I are benefitting repeatedly in our sojourn here.

Executive Thinking is a?source for being and thinking as an executive who links the world's future to their enterprise mission and its profitable operations. Here, you will find some of the soul-searching, middle-of-the-night, honest reflections at the core of who we are becoming as leaders.

A Systems Convener and Executive Advisor walking alongside accomplished executives in the third turn of their careers, Mark L. Vincent, Ph.D., EPC, loves leaders who love leaders.

In his own third turn, Mark continues to grow his capacity for wise advising, artful facilitation, and public presentation.

Mark has founded?Maestro-level leaders,?Design Group International,?and the?Society for Process Consulting and authored a number of books, including Listening Helping Learning. He now partners with Mygrow to build an emotionally intelligent world.