Did you receive feedback in the last seven days?

Great organizations are built on culture.  Quality communication exists in every significant culture.

One of the best communication tools we have is the feedback we give and receive.

Do you routinely give feedback?  Upon reflection, most of us realize we could do more.

Most of us do feedback silently.  Here’s what I mean:

I have people in my life who I love and respect.  I appreciate their talents.  We have a long record together which I value.  When I see them coming or encounter them in any way, the parts of my brain that trigger positive regard for an individual fire up.

But I rarely say it.  The words and engagement in my brain don’t move to my mouth.  I pass them in the hallway or exchange an email or phone call.  I hang up or move on, thinking I really love that person or am glad they are on my team.  But I don’t say it.

I know why.  If I’m really close to the person, I trust that they “know” how I feel.  Thus, it might be an overplay to say it too often.  So, I don’t.  I trend to rare encounters. Holidays – Birthdays – Anniversaries.

But, teams, families, organizations that thrive overcome that tendency.  The ones that do great things overcome the “normal” tendency to keep feedback to themselves and find a way to bring it to the forefront.

They verbalize the good things.  They write them.  They speak to them.  They reinforce them regularly.

When you verbalize the good tunings through word and deed, trust develops.  When you have a positive identity because of affirmation, your ability to grow changes.

You have the confidence to learn more and try more.

Your ego will survive the downside of mistakes and missteps.

Just reminding you today: when it comes to feedback, step up your game.  It will make a difference.  It’s one of the most powerful things you can do.