In an insightful Knowledge Project Podcast from Shane Parrish and Michael Goldsmith, they discuss the process of receiving quality feedback for improvement. One challenging area of leadership is utilizing a system that includes feedback and coaching. While many organizations gather feedback, much of it falls to the side and isn’t utilized. Highly effective leaders seek out feedback and use it for change. They also simultaneously incorporate coaching to exponentially improve the results. Below are specific ways to utilize both feedback and coaching for improvement:
- Feedback: Seek out feedback on a limited number of areas as it allows for more focus and intention. When gathering feedback, allow for both quantitative evaluation and qualitative responses to gather deeper data. Use the data to analyze specific themes that emerge and consider what “story” the data tells. After analyzing the data, develop a system to improve those areas, communicate the plan to appropriate stakeholders, and routinely check in with those individuals.
- Coaching: We often think of coaching as extremely formal or even a paid service. Effective coaching can happen with a trusted person willing to provide honest feedback, listen carefully, ask questions, and push our thinking. When in a leadership position, meeting monthly with a trusted mentor can provide quality results and improvement. Leaders can utilize the feedback from the organization and discuss the results with the mentor. The leader and the mentor work through the successes and challenges associated with leadership and develop thoughtful plans for improvement.
Continuous improvement includes two key elements: gathering feedback and coaching for improvement. Utilizing feedback from the organization to foster in-depth discussions around results is a powerful way to improve as a leader and an organization.
How do you utilize feedback and coaching for continuous improvement?