feedback

Leaders Continually Learn From Those They Serve

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We’ve explored the idea of the Success Deception before; how our success can keep us from exploring growth opportunities. Well, there’s another danger related to that idea. It comes when we stop learning from those we serve. This happens when we fall into the trap of thinking we’re always wiser than those we lead, and perhaps … Read more

Leaders Send Handwritten Notes to Their Own People

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When I was a teacher, I didn’t get a lot of handwritten notes from my principals and superintendents. So when I did, it was pretty exciting! To think that my boss would make the time to write words of appreciation or encouragement when a pop-by or email might have sufficed, really made a major impression … Read more

The Simplest Way Leaders Keep People on the Right Track

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If people are mostly doing what they’re supposed to be doing, but only hear criticism, they will have the mistaken belief that they are doing a poor job. In an environment like this, morale, performance, and relationships suffer. If people need critical feedback or performance coaching sometimes, but only hear positive feedback, they will have … Read more

Reasons Leaders Might be Wise to Avoid Giving Feedback

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Feedback from leaders drives engagement and performance, yet workers report that feedback is lacking. Leaders even know this truth, but still avoid giving feedback. Last week we explored five common reasons leaders can be uncomfortable giving feedback, with reasons to do it anyway. This week – two reasons why it might be wise to delay giving feedback: … Read more

Reasons (bad ones) Leaders Avoid Giving Feedback

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Feedback from leaders drives engagement and performance, yet many workers report that feedback is lacking. Leaders even know this truth, but still avoid giving feedback. Here are five common reasons leaders may be uncomfortable giving feedback, and reasons to do it anyway: “It’s just a small thing – no big deal.” – Do it anyway. When … Read more

How Much Hand-Holding? Onboarding and Situational Leadership

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Hersey and Blanchard’s concept of Situational Leadership dictates that we provide a level of leadership and attention that is appropriate to a follower’s levels of expertise and motivation. Often, leaders believe they are “empowering” and “granting autonomy” by being hands-off, and letting people learn on their own. While that sounds good, it only works in cases … Read more

DiSC in Action — leading as a “C”

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Information on reading the C (Conscientiousness) styles, and implications for leadership: Following the steps of people-reading,  we learn that someone who tends to be “skeptical and challenging,” and “cautious and reflective,” likely fits the profile of a “C” style. “C” leaders tend to be strong in the areas of Integrity, Self-Impovement planning, and clear Communication, … Read more