The end of year is always a time for reflection. It allows us all to take a minute and step back from our chaotic lives to try and put some things in perspective. This is a perfect time to review your year as a leader.
As you think about 2012, what sticks out to you? Was it the new product that your company finally launched after years of blood, sweat, caffeine, and tears? Did you push your team to take risks and, if so, what were the outcomes?
Now think about areas where you can improve. Do you struggle to provide structure and systematic focus for your projects? Have you been too controlling when it comes to delegation?
If you’re not sure how to answer where you can improve upon, it sounds like you could use a healthy dose of feedback. As the leader, you are used to giving feedback to your employees and work to help turn weaknesses into strengths, whenever possible. But if you believe you don’t need feedback or don’t have the time, you are misguided.
It’s important to know how others perceive you and for you to learn how to respond positively to suggestions for change. Effective leaders are open to feedback, both positive and negative, and will use it to improve their performance. They monitor relationships with colleagues and deal straightforwardly with issues as they arise.
Leader who aren’t open to feedback are many times perceived as defensive, arrogant, or fearful of looking at their shortcomings. This is because shutting out the observations and perceptions of others limits your growth and development. Chances are pretty good that, over time, you have developed blind spots as a leader.
Whether it’s an informal discussion or your company participates in the 360 feedback process, be open to feedback. After all, one major takeaway from feedback is knowing the skills that need improved upon so you can create a personal development plan to renew focus on goals and objectives.
Just because it’s not an iPad mini, doesn’t mean that feedback can’t be considered a gift. Do you really want to be that leader who operates with blind spots on a day-to-day basis? We didn’t think so.
Keep these tips in mind when you receive feedback:
When you learn to view feedback in a positive way, you’re that much closer to being that type of leader you’ve always imaged you would be.