Three questions for helpful feedback

Three questions for helpful feedback

It can be daunting, intimidating and downright scary to ask people to give you feedback on your performance. You know you need it, but it seems both time-consuming and full of potential emotional land mines. After all, there are going to be things that are difficult...
The most powerful word

The most powerful word

You’re in a heated discussion with your colleagues. You need to make a decision and move forward collectively. What one word will help you reach alignment? And. When I strongly believe in my position, it is all too easy to counter the other person’s view...
Identify your elephants

Identify your elephants

Sheila and Sam have never gotten along well, and when they are assigned to a key project together, neither person is pleased. Minor tensions slowly grow into full-scale battle, and the rest of the team is uncertain about what to do. They encourage Sheila and Sam to...
Listen when you do not want to hear

Listen when you do not want to hear

On a couple of occasions recently, I’ve been challenged to listen to feedback that I did not welcome. In one case, it was a long-term member of an organization in which I hold a volunteer leadership role. This person was upset about a number of issues, and was...