Double-Click on Everything

We have a way of just accepting things for the way they are sometimes in our careers. A leader can tell us something, and we just say okay and move on. We can get feedback and not really challenge it; instead, we smile and then make up stories about it later. For whatever reason, we rarely double-click with questions when important topics come our way.?

I believe part of the reason we don't always double-click is that we want to appear as though we have a good handle on the situation. If we are getting feedback, we want to acknowledge it and move on quickly. It also could be that we want to appear intelligent, and we risk that intelligence for some dumb reason if we start asking questions.?

The opportunity for you is to double-click on everything that comes your way and to stop being so surface-level.?

Double-clicking allows us to seek the truth, better understand what someone really wants or is thinking, and truly understand the path ahead.

Every piece of feedback, whether positive or negative, comes with a context. Double-clicking involves exploring the 'why' behind the feedback. It's not just about what was said but understanding the circumstances, motivations, and expectations that framed it. This context can shed light on underlying issues or highlight strengths that might not have been apparent at first glance. By grasping this context, you can better navigate our responses and actions moving forward.

The worst thing you can do is walk away from a conversation without fully understanding it. I don't care if you were talking to your boss or someone at the front desk. Ensuring you have a strong knowledge of the situation and how you can make impact with the information is key for your success.?

So, what does double-clicking look like in action?

Let's use an example of you getting feedback in an annual review. Perhaps your leader has 2-3 pieces of feedback for you that is fairly generic. You can either choose to leave that review and interpret their feedback, or you can double-click to understand. Start by asking questions like:

"Can you give me an example of that situation you described earlier?"

"Where have you examined this behavior in the past?"

"Tell me about a time when you have witnessed this in action."

"Can you tell me why this is an opportunity I can work on?"

These questions can often come off as challenging when in reality you are simply seeking to understand the situation better. You can even preface them by saying, "I'm simply double-clicking on this in an attempt to ensure I can make the necessary improvements."

The benefits of double-clicking on feedback also allow you to ensure you are tackling the situation; therefore, when the time comes again, you can know that you worked on that piece of feedback exactly. I can't tell you the amount of times I've heard people walk into a review or a 1:1 thinking they know exactly what their manager was asking for, when in reality they were pointing the wrong direction with their efforts. They would have made incredible strides if they had double-clicked on the feedback.?

Moreover, "double-clicking" on feedback enables a more personalized and relevant developmental journey. By understanding the specifics behind the feedback, you can tailor your improvement efforts more effectively. This targeted approach ensures that actions taken are not just in response to feedback but are steps toward meaningful professional growth. It turns feedback into a catalyst for clear developmental pathway rather than a generic set of instructions to be followed.

Your leader will also appreciate your desire to seek to understand.?

In practice, "double-clicking" can be as simple as asking follow-up questions during a feedback session or as involved as scheduling a dedicated meeting to dissect a particularly complex piece of feedback. The key is the willingness to engage actively with the feedback process, viewing it as a collaborative effort towards improvement rather than a unilateral critique.

This is a powerful tool for professional growth. It transforms feedback from a one-dimensional critique into a multi-layered dialogue, improving the learning experience and fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.?

Stop taking a surface-level approach and get right to the heart of the situation so you are crystal clear on what must be done.?

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by Scott Bond