Welcome to the August 2007 Edition of

“Leadership:  It’s All about Trust.”

 An On-line Newsletter from Ellen Castro that Addresses

Leadership and Life in Today’s 24/7 World

Today’s leaders know that feedback is essential.  Feedback is crucial for:

 

• Building trust
• Developing others
• Gaining commitment
• Executing on the strategic imperatives
• Growing the business

What I have found through coaching and consulting globally is that while leaders know the importance of feedback, they generally fail to give feedback.  It is “uncomfortable” and thus they do not speak their truth on a timely basis, letting things fester and then they stop trusting the other person.  Subsequently, they begin micro-managing which tends to leave others feeling not trusted, under-utilized and de-motivated. The exact opposite of what they truly want...a motivated and high performing team going for the gold.

 

Feedback made simple...

 

• Give sincere, specific positive “way to go” feedback along the way...this is the best way to set the standards you want...through recognition not intimidation.
• Have the intent of your communication be to help and they will know and feel it.  The feedback needs to be instructive and constructive.  “Gotcha” criticism does not help them or your credibility.
• Tell people what your expectations are from the beginning.  They can not read your mind.  And please, if you want something done your way, then tell them versus wasting valuable energy on re-iterations.
• Once you have discussed and agreed on the goals/outcomes, hold them accountable.  It is your job to provide the coaching, tools, resources and feedback needed, it is their job to do it.  And if you seemingly are always doing their job, then you are not holding them accountable and giving appropriate consequences.
• Be open to feedback yourself, while you might not like or respect the source, I have found there usually is a kernel of truth.  

Truth is, you are always providing feedback.  Do you smile or grimace when you see the other person?  Are you open or closed?  You’ve just provided feedback.

Feedback actually builds trusts and the relationship.  Even “hard” feedback in that it tells the other person you care enough about them to confront the situation.  Feedback is the breakfast for winners!  And who doesn’t want to be a winner?

Today’s leaders create winners in every single moment, in every single way with every single communication.

Questions for Reflection

What is your comfort level providing feedback?

Are you creating winners and high performing teams or creating stress and isolation by micromanaging?

The choice is ALWAYS yours

 

Please feel free to share this with a colleague or friend.  Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated … I am always learning...J.  Until next time, choose wisely.

Ellen Castro is a bestselling author of Spirited Leadership … 52 Ways to Build Trust on the Job and Tortilla Soup for the Spirit.  She holds an EdM from Harvard University and an MBA from SMU where she currently serves as an instructor for the Business Leadership Center .  Ellen has the great fortune to coach, write, speak, consult and teach on three continents and in seven countries.  She has owned and managed her current business since 1991 with all business opportunities through referrals. It’s all about TRUST and service!

 

Ellen’s intent and commitment is to do ALL the good she can, for as many as she can, whenever she can.

 

She can be reached at 214.750.7718 or ellen@ellencastro.com.  Please visit www.EllenCastro.com.

 

 

Ellen Castro 2007.  All rights reserved worldwide.  If this was forwarded to you and you want your own copy each month, please email ellen@ellencastro.com with “Trust Subscribe” in the subject line.  Your name will never be sold or shared.  If you prefer to unsubscribe, or received this in error, reply with “Trust Unsubscribe” in the subject line.