Feedback is the gift that keeps on giving

Feedback truly is the gift that keeps on giving so why is it that so many people fear it? I have recently started a new program within my area at Disney where I have committed to meet with 81 cast members at least once a month. The purpose of these meetings is simple: to get to know the cast and boost morale by showing that I care about them and their opinions.

I did this because over my first 5 months with this area I observed that there was a general feeling that the only time a leader wanted to speak to a cast member was when they had done something wrong. It highlights the truth that there is a lack of leadership training on soft skills and developing people within the corporate world today. Some may disagree and say that they are developing their teams, and if this is true then I congratulate you however, for many it is not the case.

How well do you know your team? Do you understand what makes them happy, what drives them to do what they do, what they want to achieve in their future, and what their strengths are? These are all things that I am discovering in the 30 minutes that I meet with these cast members and it is eye opening. To hear the joy in their voices and see the pleasure on their faces when they realize that I am genuinely interested in them is priceless.

It is also crucial to make sure that you have round pegs in round holes. By this I mean put people in positions that compliment their strengths. Your goal is for your team, and you, to want to come to work rather than feeling that they have to come to work. When this happens you will create an engaged work force who will perform at a higher level. When leadership excellence develops employee engagement your customers satisfaction level increases and so will your business results, and it all starts with developing teh leadership skills.

Are you a leader or are you a manager?

In my observations I have come to the understanding that most "leaders" are actually not leaders, they are managers. They manage the process and data, they do not lead their team. They are more concerned with finite results of here and now than they are interested in the long term development and growth of their team and the organization. They are not even thinking about their own growth, they are simply living day to day.

If you take the time to get to know yourself and your team I can guarantee that your results will go up on a consistent basis. The curve may be slower than the peaks that will come as a result of driving towards a short term goal but it will be consistent and over time will surpass the short term gain.

Feedback is a two-way street and needs to be given and received up, and down the reporting chain. Creating a culture of collaboration where employee engagement and feedback is openly encouraged will make a difference to your organization, not matter how big or small it is.

You can start these conversations today and make a difference or you can continue as you are and hope that things improve. The choice is yours and you own the consequences of your decision. Are you ready to play the infinite game where continual growth and improvement will guarantee long term success or are you comfortable playing the finite game of surviving today?

If you want help with this you can email me at [email protected] or visit my website, www.Chris-J-Baker.com and I will be happy to set up a complimentary discovery call to determine if, and how I can add value to you.

Be brave, be strong, and play the infinite game.