We work with an emerging leader in a large corporation. Recently, I asked him if I could talk with some of his team members. So we asked them for some confidential feedback. I made sure to set expectations with them. “The whole reason we’re talking is so I can ultimately provide feedback to your boss without it being traced back to you.”
In each of those cases, he was in the top third, but he wasn’t number one. So I asked, “What would it take for him to be number one in your mind?”
And from that, we were able to have some incredible conversations. It was a powerful moment.
My question to readers is, do you have a vehicle by which you get candid feedback from the people that report to you?
Feedback is a gift. And the way we see the world is all tainted by our perspectives. We’re not trying to have a distorted view. The goal is not to get vicious or embarrassing feedback. But most people will not tell you what they think, even if it’s complimentary because it’s an awkward thing. And we don’t typically ask for that either.
After three sessions with this emerging company, I was able to meet with their leader and tell him that he is highly respected by the people that I spoke with.
He was genuinely moved by that. That was encouraging to him.
I said, “You know, we’re in a wonderful situation where we’re talking about going from good to great with you.”
Find a way to get unfiltered, candid feedback.