Stop defending past behavior or you’ll miss the growth opportunity.
Instead, use your energy to move forward.
Time and time again, we work with a client who is sent to us, or seeks us out, because of feedback they have received around how their communication is landing on others. Something they are doing is impeding their potential.
I’ve seen a leader completely deny the important feedback he is receiving about increasing his effectiveness. Instead, he is concentrating on his 3 direct reports and what they should be changing.
To move forward, our first step is to be super curious about the feedback we receive. And to avoid the energetic black hole of constantly defending why the communication choices occurred.
Don’t waste energy defending how you communicated yesterday, instead invest in curious conversations about how you can communicate better today. Take intentional steps to the future while avoiding defensive steps to stay in the past.
Of course, there are reasons why you choose to communicate in a specific way. Analyzing the reason why can be helpful as long as it does not keep you in a cycle of justification.
When you get feedback or suggestions – activate SCI-FI
- Self-aware – notice what happened or is happening that elicited the information.
- Curious – seek the source. Does it have merit? Could it be helpful?
- Intentional- choose new and informed techniques for clear and effective communication
Self-aware, Curious, and Intentional for impact —
Don’t sabotage yourself – up your game.
