Ken Blanchard once said, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions!” The more I grow, the more I agree with his statement. I am starting to really enjoy getting feedback from others. Why? Because every time I get feedback, it’s an opportunity to get better!
Recently, I’ve been learning the power of feedback through three different experiences:
1. Writing an e-book – I’m currently finishing up my first e-book. I sent it out to some of the people in our mastermind group and asked them to read it, edit it, and provide me with feedback to make it better. When I received everyone’s input, I realized two things:
- Everyone’s feedback was very similar. They all saw similar things that I did not see.
- The feedback made the e-book 100x better!
2. Toastmasters – I recently joined a local Toastmasters group. If you’re unfamiliar with Toastmasters, it’s a group for people who want to get comfortable or get better at public speaking. You give speeches on a consistent basis and get feedback on how to get better. I believe I have a natural gift for public speaking, however, I believe I can always get better.
John Maxwell once said, “If you’re naturally gifted at something, you’ll be in the top 50%, if you’re gifted and you do something to get better, you’ll be in the top 10%, and if you’re gifted and do everything, you’ll be in the top 1% of performers in your area.“That is why I ask for feedback. I want to do everything I can do grow in the areas God gifted me in.
3. One on One Meetings – Every week, I meet one on one with each member of our team at work. One question I always ask is, “Is there anything you need to call me out on or challenge me with?” It gives the team permission to give me feedback on how I’m doing. That question has led to some great growth opportunities for me.
If you’re not willing to ask for feedback, you are missing out on huge growth opportunities.
[shareable]If you’re not willing to ask for feedback, you are missing out on some huge growth opportunities. [/shareable]
Here are a few things to remember when asking for feedback:
It takes Courage to ask for Feedback – Matthew Keller reminds us that, “None of us are good enough today for where we are capable of going tomorrow.” When you realize that there isn’t a person on the planet that couldn’t benefit from feedback, it will help you to have the courage to ask. If we are going to get to where we are capable of going tomorrow, we need to get comfortable with asking for feedback.
[shareable cite=”Matthew Keller”]“None of us are good enough today for where we are capable of going tomorrow.”[/shareable]
Here are some of my favorite feedback questions:
- Is there anything you need to call me out on?
- Is there anything you’ve been wanting to tell me, but you’re afraid it will hurt my feelings? I’m giving you permission!
- Is there anything we could do better at our events?
- Is there anything I can do to be a better speaker?
- Is there anything I can do to be a better writer?
- What’s it like to be on the other side of me?
- What do you wish I’d stop doing, keep doing, and start doing?
Do not let the Feedback Define You –With all feedback and criticism, do not let it define who you are. Just because someone gives you feedback or critiques something that you do does not mean that is who you are. It’s just someone’s opinion on how you can get better. Be secure enough to be open to what they have to say. Do not get defensive.
Value the Feedback – It takes courage for someone to give us feedback. Make sure you value their feedback by writing it down, thanking them, and doing something with what they told you. If you don’t value people’s feedback, they’ll stop giving it.
[shareable]If you don’t value people’s feedback, they’ll stop giving it. [/shareable]
Apply the Feedback – The only way feedback will make us better is if we do something with it.
Repeat – The more you ask for feedback, the easier it will be to ask for it and receive it. Start developing the habit of getting feedback now. It will serve you for the rest of your life.
In summary, the next level of your growth is on the other side of someone’s feedback for you!
Thoughts? Comment below!
Questions:
- How would you rate yourself at your ability to ask for and receive feedback?
- When’s the last time you asked for feedback?
- What areas of your life would you like to get feedback in?
- Who can you ask for feedback in that area?
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