Seth Saunders Learning

The Importance of Feedback

Most people have been in a place where you have experienced that piercing, loud body cringing sound when there is feedback from a microphone. People quickly cover their ears and begin to look around to see what is going on. You then see the person with the microphone either step away from the speaker or other type of potential interference or they may just turn off the microphone temporarily. If we take a different view on this situation we can find one of the most important aspects of leadership.

Once the feedback from the sound system became loud enough, it caused an action. For the audience the action was to cover their ears and look around to see what was going on and for the speaker or person setting up the sound the response was to move away from potential interference or turn off the microphone. What we have here is a clear example of how important it is to learn from feedback.

As leaders develop the ability and skill in learning how to receive, accept and utilize feedback, they will begin to elevate themselves to an higher level of leadership. See, when you find a leader who is willing to not only receive feedback but accept it and then try to get better, you have found a rare leader. It is this rare leader that possesses the right balance of confidence, humility and understanding. When a leader is willing and open for feedback the lines of communication become clear. But more importantly, it allows communication to happen. As a leader listens to find ways they can improve, they are actually helping to empower the person providing the feedback. It is this empowerment that can create a culture where people can reach their greatest potential.

Here are some ways to help accept feedback better as a leader:

  1. Proactively Seek Feedback: Although some may look at you skeptical at first as you ask for their feedback on how you are doing, they will eventually open up if they know you are sincere. You must allow them to share what they need to share so they can be honest and true feedback can take place. Be specific on what areas you are looking for feedback so you can focus on the information provided to you.
  2. Don’t Get Defensive: This sounds much easier than it is in most cases. As a leader, you have to be able to separate your feelings from situations when needed. You cannot take everything personal or you will set yourself up and your team for failure. You need to have the confidence and trust that what the other person is sharing is indeed important enough to them that they felt the need to share with you. Being humble really helps to eliminate the feelings of defensiveness.
  3. Take Action: Whenever possible, once you have received feedback, take action. Nothing will show someone you value their feedback more than when you actually do something. Some actions may be simple and easy to do while others may take time. Either way, find a way to show that you actively listened to the other person and want to support them. If action is not possible, provide potential solutions or ideas and find ways to work together. This will help ensure your credibility as a leader.
  4. Be Appreciative: You don’t need to go overboard in thanking someone for providing feedback but giving thanks and true appreciation goes along way. When you do this you ensure that communication channels stay open. When you are genuinely thankful for someone being willing to provide feedback, you show that you are a team player and you want success for everyone. Maybe most importantly when you show your thanks, you truly empower others as they will feel valued.

It is important to realize that receiving feedback is not always easy. We are human and when we are told that we aren’t doing something right or that we are causing more issues by doing what we are doing, it can be tough. However, we also have to realize that without feedback we would be left up to our own perception of ourselves and as a leader that can often lead to disaster. As with the example of the feedback from the microphone, we can either learn and make changes to improve things or we can simply ignore and watch those we lead cover their ears and look around to see what is going on.

Decide now to become the type of leader that is confident and humble enough to accept feedback. You will inspire your team to greatness as you learn from them and with them. Feedback can be an incredibly positive way to ensure success.

Seth Saunders Learning

Reflection cannot be overlooked in Leadership

There are times when as a leader you need to have the ability to take a step back from all that is going on reflect. Reflection can often be the difference between good leaders and great leaders. What is so important about reflection is that it can tell you just as much about the future as it can the past. To use reflection as a leadership tool can help separate you from all the other leaders.

I can remember a time when I was going 100 mph in my career. I was trying to accomplish as much as possible as quickly as possible. I wanted to impress everyone as new executive. I felt that I only had a small amount of time to change the world. I would have slowed down but I felt I didn’t have the time too. I just kept on going. I would have my direct boss say, “you are moving too fast” and I would say “thank you.” I know crazy but I felt it was what others expected of me and I felt it was what I expected of myself. As I reflect now on that experience, it is actually difficult to remember what I did accomplish. I know I accomplished a number of things but because I was moving so fast I cant even think of the successes I had. I never reflected on what I was doing. Because of this, I missed opportunities to build important internal relationships with other leaders. I lost the opportunity to see the indirect impact of things I was doing. Had I taken the time to reflect on what I was doing and why I was doing it, there is no doubt in my mind I would have felt more successful and most likely accomplished even more.

As a leader or one who aspires to be a leader, don’t allow yourself to get caught up with trying to accomplish too much too fast. Build into your leadership plan time for reflection, allow yourself to take a look at what are doing, the successes you have accomplished, the mistakes you have made and use that to help shape your future. The most important reflection you will ever see is the one you see when you look into the mirror. You need to ask yourself:

  • What do you see in the reflection?
  • Do you see a leader who is so caught up in titles, salary and status that you are not actively leading but rather idly leading?
  • Do you see a leader who is tired, worn out and feels like they can’t keep up with all the demands?
  • Do you see a leader who is achieving success and balance in life?
  • Do you see a leader who is still passionate or one who has lost all desire to give it their all?

Asking these questions to the person looking back at you in the mirror can help keep you grounded as well as honest. Don’t underestimate the importance of reflection. Keep your focus on the future while using the past as a tool to help you get better. This world needs more leaders who reflect on the past to create a better future.

Heroes reflect!

Seth Saunders Inspirational

Developing Inner Strength-Part 5

Surround yourself with those that can be a pillar of strength

  • When you take a look at some of the old Roman structures you often see these great and beautiful Columns or Pillars. These are sign of strength while also serving an important purpose when it comes to the structure itself. As you look at the people you surround yourself with do they bring you strength or do they bring you down? It is so important that your Circle of Influence is one that will help you reach your full potential. Those that want to see you succeed can help you feel empowered. On the other hand, if you are surrounding yourself with those that gossip, are negative and do things that lead to trouble, you are holding yourself back. Make a conscious decision right now to surround yourself with those that can be a pillar of strength for you. The benefits will be both short-term and long-term.
  • There is one other reason this is important. Others are looking to you to be one of their pillars of strength. Knowing this will help you best your best you, always. When you think no one is watching, think again. You are a force for good. You are a hero, now it is time to go out get inspired and then inspire.

Who are you going to surround yourself with?

Make it happen hero!