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| MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL … And the Value of Feedback |
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To maximize one’s effectiveness in leadership it’s important to communicate in the right way. If there is a difference between how one intended to come across and how it was received, how it was received is the reality. One can significantly improve the effectiveness of their leadership by using feedback to improve his or her message. Feedback is a simple, highly valuable strategy and something we seek in a candidate if she or he is to be truly exceptional.
Like the evil queen in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, who looked into the mirror wanting to know that she was the most beautiful in all the land, we can seek reflection on how others see us … and we can take action to improve our looks, so to speak.
Perhaps I am like many, having a spouse who is committed to me, loves me and wants me to be my best. Over the past 30+ years, my wife, Janet, has been quick to make sure there’s no food stuck in my teeth, no buttons undone, and that my hair looks right (back when I had hair). She also tells me if I am possibly being perceived as egotistical, insensitive or uncaring. Early in my career I saw the value of also seeking feedback from those in the work place, from people I could trust. Not afraid of being authentic and transparent, for I honestly wanted to be most effective and to treat people well, I opened up to those around me, and asked for their feedback. Then I used it to improve in both inter-personal relationships and the effectiveness of my leadership.
As a long time student of what makes the most effective leadership, I’ve experienced the value of feedback. I have also seen how many truly effective leaders were practicing this habit. They valued and used the correction feedback given them. And the use of feedback has become something I look for in exceptional candidates.
If you have not proactively sought feedback, try it. Watch the positive impact it will make on your effectiveness. Use the “mirrors” around you to look your best.
By Bruce |
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| GLOBALIZATION … In Several Senses |
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No longer just a word, globalization is becoming an integrated part of our businesses, politics, personal lives and the fast-changing news.
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| LEADERSHIP TIPS ACCORDING TO JOHN WOODEN |
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Earlier this year the Los Angeles Times, had an article on management which was focused on the leadership style of one of collegiate basketball’s greatest coaches, John Wooden.
Sometimes a coach can become so focused on the desired results that he forgets the basics and then is surprised when things don’t turn out right. The same thing happens in business: emphasis can be put short term profits while the basics are forgotten or compromised. In John Wooden’s case, the basics used in his leadership style helped UCLA’s basketball team to achieve ten national NCAA championships.
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| AND THE WINNER IS… |
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Dr. Gene Chase is the winner of our “new name for the newsletter” contest. He is a recently retired professor from Messiah University and a personal friend since our college days at Cornell.
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| MUSINGS BY BRUCE |
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The old-fashioned term “muse”, to ponder, meditate or marvel, today is seen in “blogs.” So, like many do these days, when I think I have something worth sharing, I will add it to an Engage! issue. Fair warning, don’t expect any consistency in quality or subject matter … it’s a stream of consciousness sort of thing. So, here goes.
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