Productivity with Purpose
Posts tagged communication
How To Use Feedback To Improve Performance
Aug 27th
Many people do not want to hear opinions or assessments from others about their work and/or life quality. It is an unfortunate part of human nature that we prefer to avoid all potentially negative information in order to insulate ourselves from criticism. Why do we do that? And why do we assume or fear that the feedback will be negative? Maybe it’s the underlying feeling that we are not good enough that is so pervasive in American Society or the habit of only giving feedback when something is wrong. I’m not a psychologist, so I won’t delve into the reasons here (though I have my theories.) The plain fact is that feedback is an often overlooked, yet extremely valuable component of productivity. If used properly it can be an indispensible tool in your productivity arsenal that can give you a competitive advantage over your peers.
Feedback is simply a tool; an instrument if you will for both validation and growth. Be cautious not to attach personal feeling to this information. Keep it in its proper perspective however and only give it the importance it deserves. Feedback is not about you as a person; it is about assessing and improving work or activities that you do.
A few weeks ago, just about when I had started questioning if anybody was listening to me or cared what I had to offer, I received a gift from Ezine Articles that made a significant impact on me. Every individual wonders if they really can do the job and we all need a pat on the back once in a while. The beauty of this gesture was twofold for me: first, it provided validation that I do quality work that does indeed have value in the marketplace; second, it was a great example of how can give appropriate feedback to others with whom I work and live.
With that in mind, let’s talk about how to use feedback properly:
- You must ask for it – Many people just do not think to give feedback or only do so when it’s negative. Make it a regular practice to ask your co-workers, supervisor, clients or customers how you are doing. (You may also consider asking your partner or children if you dare.)
- Listen – It does no good to ask for feedback if you do not really listen with an open mind.
- Filter – Consider the possible bias or perspective of the other person before you decide how much importance to place on their opinions. Do you respect the person’s views? Are they knowledgeable in the specific area? Do you trust them to be honest with you? If not, feel free to disregard them.
- Analyze – If the feedback is positive, how can you use it to continue to improve? Don’t dismiss praise or accolades! If it’s negative, what can you learn from it? Where is there room for improvement? Note: Any feedback that is purely destructive has nothing to offer you and should be ignored. Feedback that is mean-spirited is not useful to anyone.
- Give positive feedback – Learn to offer positive feedback to others. Be honest, thoughtful and constructive in your opinions. Even if your assessment is negative, find a way to offer it coupled with helpful ideas.
Don’t be afraid of feedback or opinions of people whom you value. Use it, bask in it and learn from it. Open your ears and open your mind; grow and thrive.
Do you have any feedback for me? I’m all ears….
Create Your Own Network
Jul 29th
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or what you need! Chances are good that you will get it and you might just help someone else out in the process.
My quick story: My regular readers know that my husband is deployed to the Middle East; that’s just background information. Last week I received an email from our local family services coordinator at the base that went out to all of the spouses/partners of the deployed service members. It’s great that we have communication from the base, but what was lacking was a community of support for the wives. No support network existed, so I suggested to the base that we start one, offered my assistance and they agreed. Now we have our own network; a private Facebook group where we can share thoughts, concerns and ask for help from one another. We are growing quickly and are slowly developing a broader reach and a valuable connection. Who knows what may come of this; parenting help, career assistance, sharing of skills, mentoring and of course friendship.
Another result of this project was that I decided that more sharing of information and support was needed by military spouses as a whole and knew that I could fill that need. So, out of this experience came not only a new support network, but a new website – GuardWife.com – and a book on deployment from the family’s perspective is in progress.
Lessons learned:
- Speak up and ask for what you want!
- Chances are good that someone else needs the same resource that you are looking for.
- If the network doesn’t exist; create it yourself.
- If you find a need out there that is not being met; FILL IT!
You may be able to make money from your innovations and ideas or maybe not. You never know where they will lead you. The important thing is that your need will be filled and you will most likely have added to your network and helped others along the way.
If you want to read more on stepping outside your comfort zone, read Key Questions: What Are Your Limitations?
Ask Questions to Improve your Productivity
May 17th
The only foolish question is the one that was never asked!
When you are in a new situation or circumstance, or when you are beginning a new project or working with a new client; the best way to increase productivity – your and everyone else’s is to ask questions. Some questions need to be asked of others and some of yourself. Ask, Ask, Ask until you are confident that you have a firm grasp. Do not wait until something goes wrong to ask for clarification!
Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers. – Anthony Robbins
Possible questions to get you started:
- Why are we doing this?
- What is the desired outcome?
- When is our deadline or when are periodic checkpoints?
- What is my role?
- Who is responsible or accountable for which tasks or projects?
- Do we have metrics or some form of measurement?
- What are the possible roadblocks or obstacles?
- What are the available resources?
- What is the level of priority of this project?
- Who are the key players or participants?
- What is the hierarchy?
- What is the atmosphere like?
- What is expected of me?
- What is my role or “job”?
- What do I need to be more comfortable?
Asking questions is a valuable tool in business and in life. We need to first be clear where we are going and what is expected of us before we can really accomplish anything. This often overlooked strategy can make the difference between success and failure.
