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.
Have you ever stopped to think about your communication style and the impact it has on you and your personal brand?
Do you often run on autopilot just falling into conversational habits? Many times not even tuned into the words you are using and how your message is being received. You are more focused on getting your message out and being heard than really making a connection and creating an experience for the other person.
Personal branding has been a hot topic ever since management guru Tom Peters popularized the idea that people – like companies – can have brands, in his blockbuster article “The Brand Called You” (Fast Company, August 1997).
Do you ever struggle with not feeling good enough? You begin to question your own abilities by comparing yourself to others and downplaying your assets. You look around at your peers and feel like ‘they’ have it all figured out.
I don’t know about you but there have been occasions in my life where I have done everything possible to please someone. The result typically is “that person” is still not satisfied and I feel underappreciated, maybe even a bit resentful.
Your brand is an extension of you and an expression of what you stand for. You continually show others who you are through the actions you take and the words you use. Both contribute to the story of your brand and what others believe to be true about you.
You do have a choice and can absolutely get what you want. The biggest part lies in the knowing. Here is where most leaders get stuck…they don’t know what they want.
Think of a time in your life when you wanted something really badly. You wanted it so badly that you were willing to invest the extra effort and let nothing get in your way.
