Two professionals...a man and a woman conducting a business discussionNote from Art-With this post, I’m announcing the availability of a new online program to help professionals at all levels develop and strengthen their feedback communication skills. This is a practical, powerful program based on a great deal of live-session participant input. Best of all, there’s a low cost of entry to put this on-demand and guided self-development program it in easy reach of motivated professionals at all levels.

—

Feedback is simultaneously one of the most powerful tools we have in our toolkits for promoting professional development and high performance, AND one of the most misused and underutilized tools.

Effective, timely feedback is as close as we get to a leadership and performance promoting silver bullet!

7 Lessons Learned About Our Use of Feedback:

After a twenty some years learning by doing and a half dozen years training and working with over 1,000 professionals and surveying many more, I’m comfortable offering what I’ve come to learn are nearly universal truths about feedback:

  1. Everyone, from front-line leaders to the top executives can get better at delivering and receiving feedback. Everyone!
  2. Sadly, most professionals have received very little or no training on how to deliver feedback.
  3. Many of us avoid delivering feedback for the tough discussions. Our human fears (not being liked, fear of response, fear of upsetting people) coupled with our lack of training makes this tough for many.
  4. When feedback is given, it is frequently watered-down or sugar-coated to the point where it is not clear whether someone is being praised or criticized.
  5. From my surveys: most professionals want more of it…and they wish their boss was better at giving it.
  6.  Getting better at delivering performance feedback requires both training (or study) and practice. A lot of practice.
  7.  Feedback is a major tripping point for everyone from first-time leaders to top executives. In my surveys, over 50% of the respondents indicate that delivering constructive feedback is their single biggest weakness.

 My Feedback Confession:

I spent a great deal of time climbing the ladder and navigating my career without any feedback training. While I had no qualms about giving it, as I reflect back on many of the toughest discussions, I recognize how horribly I muddled my way through some truly important discussions. I stepped in, on and embraced every feedback tripping point there is, and much like one of my interview subjects (a retired CEO), I wonder how much money and performance I left on the table by not being better at delivering feedback. 

The Genesis of My Learning to Master Feedback Program:

As I’ve carried the torch on developing effective feedback practices, many of my program participants have asked for two things:

1. Tools to help refresh and strengthen their feedback skills once the program ended.

2. Some method to expose their own team members to feedback training, without requiring travel and huge investment (in a world where this training for many is out of reach).

Welcome to: Learning to Master Feedback (online):

This Online, On-Demand program includes:

  • 4 modules/lessons (see the brochure for detailed learning objectives) that you can view over and over during your program period (60 days)
  • A detailed Program Action Guide to guide you through the self-development and application exercises in the workplace. (Remember, it’s training + practice!)
  • An assortment of helpful tools, including a planning worksheet, feedback assessment form, practice cases, exercises and other supporting materials.
  • E-mail access to me during your program period

The price: $59

It’s ideal for all professionals, from first-time supervisors and managers to experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their feedback communication skills. And for H.R. and Training professionals, this program is a nice addition/supplement to your current program.

Links:

Visit the Program Page

Drop me a note with questions

Get started! (This links to the BuildingBetterLeaders sign-up page. Select “New Account,” complete your account, select Learning to Master Feedback from the catalog, complete payment and begin! )

The Bottom-Line for Now on Feedback:

While I would love to serve you and your team members in this program, whether you choose to work with me or another valued professional, you owe it to yourself and your career, your team and your organization to strengthen your skills with this critically important performance tool!