Here's your chance to sound off - what advice would you give a new college grad entering the workforce if you could? Related post to follow...
We've all read lots of books and articles on giving feedback, but what is the best way to receive feedback? My default response used to be to explain my position, show how I do what the person is asking, or show how I wanted to but someone else prevented me. If I am caught off guard or stressed, these are still my gut instincts. However, I have learned two much more constructive ways to respond to feedback that I strive to use more often. The first started as I became more self-aware and felt comfortable and safe acknowledging and working on my weaknesses. If someone points something I am aware of and I feel safe (i.e., it is pointed out in a private forum versus a public forum) the best thing I can do is say "I know, do you have any suggestions or advice that will help me?" If someone has the courage to step out of their comfort zone to point out a way I can improve, it is a safe bet they've thought about it beforehand. The second way to handle...
1- When praised by anyone at work, nicely ask your supervisor and clients the magic words, "Wow, thanks! If you have a second, would you mind sending me that in an email and cc'ing my supervisor?". And print it out, and START A FILE! Not everyone will take the time, of course, but enough folks will to give you a great portfolio of written evidence of strong performance.
ReplyDelete2- Keep a calendar of the birthdays of past supervisors you have worked for, and drop them a birthday card or email each year. Job markets change fast these days, and you will need references more than you expect. And if you keep that little pleasant contact once a year, it won't seem weird when you drop them a line asking for a letter of reference.
3- Write snail mail thank you notes. Just do it. Emails are "okay"- but that little envelope in the mail that shows you took an extra 5 minutes says more than you know.
4- Make it a point to openly power-down your phone when sitting down to lunch, dinner, or a meeting. It shows the person your with that they are important, and you are giving them your undivided attention. They may not do so- but they will ALWAYS remember that YOU did!
I love those - thank you!!!
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