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TOOL #4: "FEEDBACK IS A GIFT"
The Systems Question:
"How will I know I've achieved my desired outcomes?"
The concept of feedback is important in understanding how a living (human) system maintains a steady state, or, alternatively, how we can change successfully. Information concerning the outputs of our system are fed back as an input to our system so that we may make corrections and maintain a steady-state (if that is our goal).
This crucial concept, taken from the Control Theory of Engineering, consists of modifying the behavior of any living (human) system by reinserting the results of actual past performance.
Feedback can be negative or positive. While positive feedback gives you the input that no adjustment is necessary in order to reach your desired outcomes, negative feedback is informa-tion which indicates that the system is deviating from a prescribed course and must adjust or the desired outcomes will not be achieved.
So, negative feedback is good! In fact, it is a personal and business “survival skill” to use in today's rapidly changing environment.
Examples:
In most teams and organizations, there is very little feedback ever offered or received. On the other hand, the importance of feedback and regular check-ups is natural in our lives. Consider:
—CAR MAINTENANCE (Mechanic/Hood, Gasoline, Preventive Maitenance)
—PERSONAL HEALTH (Annual Physical, Excercise, Proper Eating)
—TRAINING CAMP OR PRE-SEASON PRACTICE ( Intense Preparation, Study and Performance, Evaluation of Players)
Instead of Feedback, With a problem, we:
Ignore it, Work Harder, Splinter into factions, Get Out.
Principals:
In today’s complex and continually changing world, in order to achieve your desired outcomes, initial solutions are not as important as the ability to gain constant feedback and adapt.
The ability to be flexible and adaptive (i.e., to learn, grow, change and adapt to changes in the environment) is crucial. Economies of speed are replacing economies of scale as a key competitive edge. Feedback is the key so that we can learn, grow, and adapt at all levels of the organizational system (individuals, teams, and the organization).
Example:
Feedback is a gift—allow others to give it to you! It is the skill of being open and receptive to (and even encouraging) feedback from your customers, your employees, your supervisor, and peers. Ask anyone who can help you to learn and grow as a person and human being, as a professional, and as a leader of your organization. Ask your parents, children, and friends, as well.
The Corollary Question is—How do you develop self-mastery? How to develop the external style and inner psyche to genuinely encourage others to help you with this gift of feedback, even when it hurts.
Be open to learning, even if painful.
Summary–
1. Welcome feedback in all aspects of your life—it is a gift, especially the more senior you are, or as parents or spouses. Don't be defensive.
2. Thank the person for giving it to you.
3. Decide later, after reflecting on the feedback, what to do (if anything) with it.
Otherwise, how will you know you've achieved your desired outcomes?
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