Category: Influence

Do You Want to Give Better Feedback?

Giving feedback to others is time well spent, but most of us fail to spend enough time to give effective feedback. Here is a list of things to consider when you want to improve your feedback skills.

  • Give feedback frequently.
  • Make the feedback timely.
  • Keep feedback simple.
  • When feedback addresses behavior that must be corrected, provide the feedback in a private, neutral setting.
  • Focus on the situation you observed, and how it affected you.
  • Describe behavior. Do not speculate on motive.
  • Communicate the impact of the person’s behavior.
  • Be prepared for unexpected information.
  • Reinforce positive behavior through feedback.
  • Catch people doing things right.

Giving feedback can feel awkward at times. But through practice, you can improve your skills. Be humble and authentic, and you can have a positive impact.

There Is Always One or Two

When I am working on a project with a team, it seems that there is always one or two people that distract the group from their goal. It could be that they actively speak out against the plan, or they could silently disrupt progress behind the scenes.

Here are some strategies that will help you overcome the rabble-rouser.

  1. Focus on the majority. – The simple method is to just ignore the person that is disrupting the group. If you are able to move forward with the majority of the group, then you are able to gain momentum.
  2. Address the issue with the person separate from the group. – Confronting the rebel in front of the group will only justify their message. So pull them to the side and try to resolve the issue discreetly.
  3. Create wins to show the group the progress. – People want to be on the winning side. Get some small wins and you will begin to over come any opposition.

There is always someone that will stand in your way on your path to success. Find a way around and don’t lose too much time thinking about it.

What Is Your Level of Commitment?

Commitment is visible to those on your team. You know what it looks like. It is the guy that never gives up. The person that keeps searching for the way to succeed. The woman that brings a positive attitude and a drive for the goal.

Are you as committed as you should be? Here are some things that you should consider if you want to be recognized as the person that was committed to the team’s success.

1. Set the example. Don’t wait to see if others are on board. Always bring your “A” game.

2. Increase your influence. Collaborate. Ask questions. Build bridges. Add value. Helpful participation increases your influence with the team.

3. Never stop learning. Finding success is usually accomplished by learning something new, or changing the way you do something. Keep a learning attitude to be ready for new ideas.

4. Have the persistence to succeed. Accept that success takes time and effort. If it was easy, the rewards will be less.

What does commitment look like for you?

Another Mistake?

Confucius wrote, “the wise should not hesitate to correct themselves.” Everyone makes mistakes. A wise person quickly corrects their mistakes.

If we want to grow our influence, our authenticity, our credibility, our leadership ability, then when we make a mistake, we must clearly say, “I was wrong”.

A mistake does not show weakness. It only reveals that we are human. Our character is exposed by the actions we take after we realize we made a mistake. 

Therefore, when we are faced with another mistake, we should be proud that we are willing to learn, and make corrections.