Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Sticks and Stones

One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing about a problem within my scope of responsibility that has been festering for a while. While I appreciate that I work in a supportive environment that often allows for understanding and giving people the benefit of the doubt, I don’t want to wait to get the feedback. I want to know now. I want to fix it now.

May Break My (Ego) Bones
Okay, here’s the self-disclosure part of today’s post. I don’t like hearing about where I’m not performing well. Sure, I don’t do all the work; actually I don’t do most of the work. My team does that! But I have to provide the guidance, information and support they need to do their jobs well. If we struggle from time to time that’s all on me. No excuses.

But Honest Feedback Will Never Hurt Me
So even though I don’t like hearing it, I also know I need to hear it so I can do my job more effectively and keep us moving forward. Although my ego may be a little inflated (say…like the size of the state of Texas); I recognize that I need to put my ego aside so I can make work better.

Ultimately that’s my job…to make work better.

How About You
When it comes to hearing criticism do you morph into Captain Blame, quick to identify the guilty party? Or, have you figured out that it’s the group of people around you that needs feedback and clear expectations to do their jobs effectively; and making them feel terrible about their performance will ultimately hurt you (and me)  in the long run? Remember, communicating bad news to your team is fine…its how you deliver the message that is most important.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.




pic courtesy of christinabrunk

1 comment:

  1. I'm with you on this one, Jay. I think 'constructive critism' is important to all of us. I'm not sure some can take it though, unfortunately. Which may be why people hold back? I always look at feedback, positive or negative as a way to make something better... you can ALWAYS improve everything.

    P.S. the State of Texas, really? lol

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