GUEST REVIEWS Self-Reflection & Feedback

As our last course was finished, it is now important to assess our progress as an individual and team; so that we can reset- elevate our actions while serving up our next goal. Be sure to stock up on the essential ingredients to get started; humility, active listening skills, approachability, adaptability, patience, observant, & commitment.

When is the last time you received feedback? If you have to think for longer than a few seconds, it’s most likely been too long. Although feedback is unfortunately avoided or even feared in many societies, it is probably one of the greatest gifts you can give and also receive from someone. It can provide you with the last push you need to build up the courage to do something outside of your comfort zone or to do what you have believed you couldn’t do.

Take the first step and block time for daily self-reflection. It only requires a few minutes and best fit for the end of the day. Write in a journal, what went well that day, or take a 20 minute walk to decompress and gather those thoughts. If you can identify the things that led to positive outcomes, you will have a better chance of duplicating results in the coming days. Why start over day after day? I choose not to leave things to chance.

Next up, schedule time for 360 feedback. This gives your team the opportunity to provide you, as their leader, feedback on your performance and the performance of the team. This should be done in a variety of ways to encourage participation. Create open dialogue as a group during a conference call or meeting, send a survey to the team so there can be anonymous input, and make space for feedback during 1 on 1 interactions. The more consistent you are in establishing these routines, the more you can develop a culture of feedback in your organization and leadership style.

Live the “Open Door Policy”. Your ability to remain open to feedback, not take it personal, and act on opportunities will reinforce a true team environment. Speak to all levels of the organization for their insights. There are usually larger numbers in the lower ranks of hierarchy. This group can often provide the most realistic view of how the organization is functioning. This provides you with the opportunity to discuss implementation of company strategies and they will appreciate having a voice.

Once you have received feedback, summarize your findings with the team. Highlight areas of opportunity and where appropriate, utilize the team to build action items to improve. Celebrate positive feedback and give credit to those responsible. A large reason many people are afraid of feedback is because it is often negative. Use the 4 to 1 rule to transform your workplace for the better. In a given day, find 4 compliments and 1 opportunity behavior to provide feedback on. 

Follow through on your commitments. There is nothing that worse than being asked for feedback, giving it, and seeing no progress made. This is your chance to positively influence your workplace and personal brand. We are never fully baked as leaders. Keep stocking up on your leadership ingredients so that you can WOW your guests- time and time again.