Constructive feedback is the key to growth and learning. I welcome it because through feedback I can better my offering and impact and gain incredible insight.
Sometimes the feedback comes in the form of a well-timed question. Such was the case recently.
At each event we raise funds for the two not-for-profits, Little Warriors and Because I am a Girl. For those who have attended the past events, they know and expected that one week prior to the eventthat we put a call out for silent auction and gift bags items.
Recently I was sharing this with a woman who, along with her daughter (also a successful entrepreneur), was attending her first live event.
She asked a perfectly timed question. “How come I don’t know about that yet?” I shared with her that we usually send out requests a week before the event, yet her point was a good one. Perhaps giving only a week was too tight a timeline. Thank you Linda Ferguson, for sharing your knowledge and expertise. You see, Linda is a seasoned entrepreneur whose experience is vast. Plus, she has long-standing experience in raising funds and awareness for many causes!
What Linda did was provide me an opportunity to see things differently!
For some, any question or suggestion can be viewed as a criticism and the effects can stop them in their tracks! Why?
Because if not taken in context as a suggestion, or without asking for more clarity it can feel like criticism or judgment no matter how well intentioned it is.
For me, I always see constructive feedback or questioning as an opportunity to examine the current process. And although, for obvious and not so obvious reasons, not all suggestions or feedback can be implemented into the business. But there are always nuggets.
That said, there are also people who feel compelled to share criticism both privately and publically (online and in person) without the intent to change, provide a solution, or advance others. With those people, I’ve learned to bless them and release them.
You can’t please everyone, and nor will you. Here are five truths about feedback:
1. #Truth When we are laser focused on those we are meant to serve, we get clear and are able to determine whether it is criticism or valuable feedback.
2. #Truth We all want to do great work! When receiving feedback determine if you were doing your best work, or if you trying to do too many things which may have resulted in less than your best work.
3. #Truth We will, at times, fall short of our best. When we do, own it. Learn the lesson and move on. Don’t Dwell!
4. #Truth You can no more unread or un-hear criticism anymore than you can un-ring a bell! But don’t stand in it, rather stand on the lesson and GROW!
5. #Truth Constructive feedback and your professional discernment is the key. Know how and when to implement changes for success.
This is also why it is imperative to know your WHY! If you do, then all feedback is welcome. Ultimately, you are interested in improving and growing.
As an entrepreneur and expert, you always have the choice. You can choose to live in curiosity, evolution, and growth (CEG) or a state of believing it must be perfect always!
Decide to live in CEG and you’ll have the chance to amplify your results and experiences. However, if you opt to live in the world of perfection and all knowing, beware of the difficult journey.
#Truth Perfection is ego and fear driven, and leads you down the path of extreme highs and lows. Yes highs, but at what cost and subsequent results? And the lows can destroy the business.
Which will you choose?
Constructive feedback is critical to move you forward and this is why I love mastermind groups.
I have been an active participant of mastermind groups for years.
At each of our live events we kick off the event with a VIP Breakthrough Mastermind gathering. And this was a direct result of feedback from attendees who shared how helpful it would be if there were a way to get laser focused before an event, to maximize the return. #Powerful right?
Upon completion of this past event, numerous women shared with me that the VIP session was the driving factor in maximizing their experience. Further, because they did so they were able to hit the ground running and see the return on relationships and investment immediately.
Are you in need of a Breakthrough Mastermind Session – one that will provide you access, feedback and insight? Join us in Calgary June 2nd.
The core objective is forward movement accessed through critical thinking and implementation.
A Breakthrough Mastermind is designed to provide a solution for a specific challenge that has been pre-determined via a questionnaire with a short series of questions. You will have the opportunity to share your challenge or need with the group during the mastermind gathering. Each participant is effectively placed in the position to receive answers and suggestions.
Join us if you are ready to amplify your results, and move from dreaming of success in life, love, and business to purposeful dedication to living CEG and celebrating success.
Yes, you can have it all when you align your purpose, passion and why!
Come prepared and ready to grow.
Jo
Eureka, a Breakthrough!
