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Summary
Does honesty need to be … BRUTAL? We’ll look at that in our Thought of the Day. And in our interview segment: Leadership conversations regarding the performance of your team members can often be difficult. However, Dan Rockwell provides us with some terrific conversation starters that are positive, affirming, and VERY powerful. That and more on today’s show.
Bob’s Thought of the Day
We’ll explore:
- Some food for thought: Being “brutally honest” is more often than not more about the person speaking than about the person they are speaking to.
- A reminder that we can usually be honest in such a way that it effectively communicates the point while still allowing the other person to feel good about themselves.
- A powerful quote from my friend, People Skills Authority and Coach, Kate Nasser: “Civility doesn’t weaken your message; it helps others to hear and embrace it.”
Interview with Dan Rockwell
You’ll discover:
- The value of creating a culture where performance conversations are normal, natural, and frequent.
- That you should have three positive performance conversations for every negative one.
- Why to keep away from the “feedback sandwich.”
7 Powerful Performance Conversation Starters:
1. Evaluate processes or systems.
- What’s running smoothly?
- Where are you solving the same problem over and over?
2. Discuss results.
- What have you achieved that makes you proud?
- What could have been better?
3. Analyze decisions.
- What decisions didn’t happen that caused disappointing results?
- What decisions preceded good results?
4. Explore relationships.
- Where are the pockets of positive energy in your area?
- Where is the negative energy?
5. Look for Fulfillment.
- What brings you satisfaction at work?
- Where are you disappointed with yourself?
- What’s frustrating? What does that say about you?
6. Investigate development.
- What skills are you improving?
- What skills would you like to improve?
7. Uncover learning – provide time for reflection.
- What are you learning about your role?
- What are you learning about yourself?
- What are you learning about your team?
Invitations
Seek lots of feedback if you expect to give lots of feedback.
Invite people to evaluate your performance.
- Don’t ask, “How am I doing?” That’s useless.
- Declare intention. “I’m working on building positive energy on the team.”
- Ask for specific feedback. “What do you see me doing that builds positive energy? Drains it?”
- Be thankful.
- Explore behaviors that better express your intentions. “What suggestions might you have?”
Click to Tweet
If you want to be great at giving #feedback, be great at seeking feedback. @Leadershipfreak Click To Tweet
Learn how to create a culture where #performance conversations are normal and natural. @Leadershipfreak Click To Tweet
Need to have better conversations about #performance at work? @Leadershipfreak shows you how on this episode. Click To Tweet
Interview Links
- Leadership Freak Blog
- To access Dan’s coaching programs, email him directly at dan@leadershipfreak.com.
- Follow Dan on Twitter
- Connect with Dan at the Leadership Coffee Shop on Facebook
Resources
Listen to The Go-Giver Podcast on iTunes
About the Book
The Go-Giver tells the story of an ambitious young man named Joe who yearns for success. Joe is a true go-getter, though sometimes he feels as if the harder and faster he works, the further away his goals seem to be. Joe learns that shifting his focus from getting to giving — constantly and consistently creating value for others — leads to exceptional returns.
Rapidly going from national bestseller to global phenomenon, The Go-Giver has gained a devoted following with over a million copies sold. It’s utilized as a resource in major corporations to small businesses, in schools and churches, in book clubs, and more. Nearly a decade since its original publication, this timeless story continues to help its readers find fulfillment and greater success in business, in their personal lives and in their communities.