Getting Feedback to Reinforce

After a recent Skill-Up on Ownership & Expectations, I was blessed with a great example of the culture of ownership being put to use. One of the leaders shared with me the results of an internal survey about not only the Skill-Up session, but also about how they are using tools from previous sessions. All I can say is, wow!
 
What impressed me wasn’t that they had been using tools that were introduced during the sessions, but their ability to apply tools to different situations than what was demonstrated. That is the IMPACT you hope to make when leading a session - explain the why so that they can see the potential benefit.
 
Here is a quick look at some of the tools and topics that stood out during their sessions.
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Manage Your Circles
The foundational piece of personal growth for me is found in Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence. This stood out to them as a way to quickly assess and be grounded in their approach. Focusing on how to expand influence as well as recognizing where you don’t have control lessens frustration.
 
One attendee talked about how it helps them with their struggle on focus as they can apply to the varying teams they engage and keep them from “feeling overwhelmed and choosing to respond instead of react.”
 
IMPACT Leadership
Flexing your leadership style to meet the needs of the team instead of staying where you are comfortable was another popular topic. One attendee highlighted how it enabled them to “realize there are multiple ways to achieve what needs to be done.” Their flex wasn’t just about leading but in listening and embracing other perspectives.
 
Be Better Today
I have been writing a lot recently about the importance of Being Better Today as a continuous improvement mindset. It was a foundational concept of the 3 Pillars of IMPACT prior to being an easy-to-use tool to drive improvement.
 
They have taken the BBT Tool and implemented it into their “daily life outside of work as well as a motivation tool inside of work.” This quote probably hit the hardest, “If I had a rough day…I know I can always come back the next day and Be Better.” 
 
Recognizing Your Team
As part of a Knowing Your Roles session, I introduced the importance of recognizing the IMPACT that others have on you and the team. They embraced the ICUs (I See You) as a tool to recognize the IMPACT someone has and by telling them it helps you Connect with them, and then you can Unify by explaining how it benefits the entire team and organization. An attendee has built this into their everyday practice.
 
A recent tool that hit home for several was the SBI Model of feedback. What is great about this approach is that it works well when you want to reinforce behavior or even improve behavior. You point out the Situation, you then describe the Behavior you see and finish it with the Impact it has on others. For some, this becomes a more natural approach to engage employees.
 
The bottom line is that everyone needs feedback.  You need to know that you are making a difference in the lives of others. Reflection is good for everyone and sometimes you need to look back, to go forward. Be sure to follow-up on your own efforts. Look for those areas where you can improve and for those areas where you have made a positive impact. Feedback is essential for continued growth Beyond Today.

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