Julie Bartkus

During a recent workshop, a participant asked me: What if the feedback I get from my team is negative?

Is getting negative feedback from your team something you fear?

Does the thought of distributing surveys to your staff about your leadership weaknesses make you feel weak in the knees?

Do you think all they have to say is negative stuff?

The main thing I encourage leaders to think about from a business (non-personal issue) perspective is:

Would you rather hear what your team has to say and have the opportunity to make improvements?

Or --

Would you rather be closed to their feedback and have them vent, complain, and gossip to anyone (yes, the parents, each other, the lady at the grocery store, etc) and everyone who is willing to listen?

Yes, feedback may be negative. Yes, it may sting. However, it gives you the opportunity, as a leader, to communicate with your team and make improvements for the betterment of your organization. And as with most organizations I work with, you will be pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback you receive!

Soliciting your team for their feedback is a skill that takes time to master and it is a skill that will definitely help your organization reach new heights.

© 2001-2006 Julie Bartkus. All Rights Reserved. Julie Bartkus is an author, speaker, consultant and coach.

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