Feedback is one of those things that is not typically sought out and is often dreaded. What if you could learn to ask for feedback that was actually constructive? AND what if you could learn to give feedback that others actually wanted to listen to? Good or bad!
If you are an aspiring leader who wants to grow and improve, asking for feedback is essential to your growth and giving constructive feedback will help others grow.
Recently I was engaged in a discussion with a leader about the lack of effort made to express appreciation in the workplace. “Really, someone can’t walk down the hall to express appreciation, they send an email!” So the point isn’t just that you express appreciation, it is how you make someone feel.
The truth is we all know what she is talking about.
Companies invest a lot of time, money and energy into building their brands. They want you to have a certain experience with their products. Take a moment to consider popular consumer products that are in the same category and what thoughts they bring to mind…
Communication is an art. How you communicate your message influences how you are perceived. The how represents 93% of the feelings and attitudes you portray when delivering your message.
Picture this: You observe a tall well-dressed man getting out of his Porsche – this communicates a message and you form an impression.
He begins walking toward you with his shoulders slumped and is expressionless – the initial impression changes.
Are you hiding behind who you think you should be? Do you feel to be taken seriously, you need to be serious? Do you believe you have to change who you are to succeed?
A woman approached me after a talk I gave, and everything about her screamed serious – her dress, her hairstyle, her facial expression, her language, and even her body language.
Like it or not, every day, with every interaction, you are creating an impression. Stop for a moment and ask yourself, “Is it the one that I want?”
Don’t let your personal brand happen by default! You are the director of your life and career. Be strategic and decide on the impression you want to make.
You may have thought as a leader it is best to be “well-rounded.” Professional development plans typically focus on “identifying and overcoming weaknesses.”
But they’re dead wrong.
To build a confident personal brand, even when faced with adversity, it is essential to start with a solid foundation. This foundation consists of two main components – the internal elements that are initially invisible to the eye and the external elements that are immediately visible.
Your internal elements play a big part in driving your decisions and behaviours, while
When I work with clients, one of the most important things we focus on is connecting at your core level to learn who you really are. Your core is your essence, the intangible elements that no one sees. These intangible elements – your core power – are made up of your core values, natural talents, key strengths, beliefs, and passions.
Think about it as the internal operating system that guides all your decisions in
Why do certain tasks make it to the top of your ‘to-do’ list? What makes them important enough to deserve your time, energy and focus?
For me, it’s deciding that the task is important and I am clear about what the benefits are for me in making it a priority.
