Listening to the people that matter

 Culture  No Responses »
Jun 292011
 

Gathering feedback from the team is an age-old concept that most leaders will say is important.  But how good are you at it?  How often do you really listen?

Tonight, after everyone else had gone home I sat for an hour with one of our physios.  We talked about how things are going for her, actually she did most of the talking. I listened.  I listened as closely as I could.  I took notes and I asked plenty of questions.

It was a super important hour that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I heard about things that we are doing well and I also heard plenty of suggestions as to what we can do better.  It was an hour well spent and I’m very, very pleased that she asked to meet with me.

As a leader, one of the most important things I do is listen.  When anyone at The Physio Co asks to speak to me I am available. Everyone has my mobile number and they call me whenever they need to (it’s not every day and they respect my time).

How close are you to your team?

Got a question? Suggestion? Feedback?

 Culture  No Responses »
Jun 132011
 

Helping someone out is one of life’s simple pleasures.  Even better is helping someone when you didn’t even know it! 

In the past week, three of you, yep you, reading this blog, have messaged/tweeted/spoken to me with feedback on my posts.  All of these messages have been people saying: “your blog has helped.”  

Hearing this stuff feels fantastic.  Why? Because it’s completely unexpected. To the guys that have been in touch: thanks so much for reaching out and letting me know.

For the rest of you: if you like what you read, please let me know.  If you don’t like a post or if you’ve got a question/suggestion I’d love to hear it.

Contact me here: facebook.com/tristanjwhite

Can feedback ever be a bad thing?

 Culture  No Responses »
Mar 072011
 

I love feedback.  I love receiving it so that I can reflect and improve.  I also love helping my team mates by providing constructive feedback that challenges their thinking.  Today I got it wrong…

This morning I gave feedback to someone when I was annoyed (getting annoyed – a bad choice. I should’ve re-read this post). 

Feedback delivered when on edge/upset/not calm is a bad idea.  It’s rarely constructive, can diminish confidence and certainly doesn’t stimulate the learning environment intended.

I should’ve taken a deep breath and made some notes to discuss at a one-to-one meeting.  

Today is the last time I make this mistake. Stretching my team by challenging their thinking in a safe environment – that’s my future.  

Feedback. The breakfast of champions

 Culture  No Responses »
Feb 092011
 

How often do you seek feedback?  Is there ever enough?

Today a good mate called me for some feedback on a tricky work situation.  I was a long way removed (different business, different industry, different state!), but I was hopefully able to help out by providing a different perspective.

When the phone call ended, I sat in the car smiling.  I was impressed by this person’s commitment to constantly improving his performance.  The situation he’d been dealing with had eased and he could’ve patted himself on the back and moved on.  Instead, he relentlessly reviewed his performance and sought input from people he trusted.

This thought, reflection and effort to seek feedback is the sign of a true champion.

Feedback.  Learn to love it.