Leaders do you solicit feedback?

Feedback is not advice, praise, or evaluation. Feedback is information about how one is doing in efforts to reach a goal, ascertain ways to improve/personal development or further strengthen one’s abilities.

Leaders are you investing time in asking and learning about how others are experiencing you? Do you take time to “solicit” feedback regularly? Feedback is often mistaken for criticism. In fact, what is viewed as negative criticism is actually constructive criticism and is the best kind of feedback that can help you grow, formulate better decisions and always lead to improved and increased performance.

One thing I’ve learned in my 20 plus years as a leader is to not only approach feedback sessions with a Growth Mindset, but to also make an effort to solicit it. Even with 20 years under my belt leading teams, I'm still learning and I'm still growing. Often leaders believe “feedback” is only for those they oversee or a perceived "necessary evil" from their bosses, but a leader who has the humility to seek it out from their entire circle (direct reports, peers, direct report’s reports and business colleagues) will develop their weaknesses and sharpen their strengths far more often and better than leaders who don’t. With a Growth Mindset intelligence and personality traits can be increased. You grow through study, practice, and experience. Mistakes can be our greatest opportunity to improve. Embracing a growth mindset as a leader will help you give more effective feedback to others. It will also help you take on challenges and stick with it, bounce back from setbacks, and support others in their own growth. Leaders, so be sure to solicit feedback often and help create a work culture of continuous openness and improvement.