Your Success Thought for the Week of October 14, 2009 The Gift of Feedback Aware leaders realize the benefit of feedback on a daily basis.  A subordinate looking perplexed when you describe an exciting new project tells you that you're not communicating clearly. An associate who's not returning your e-mails tell you it's time to pick up the phone. Your home life provides an onslaught of feedback which you're wise not to ignore. Real-time feedback is vital to becoming more successful tomorrow than you are today, yet many of us are hesitant to provide this valuable information. Why? We think more of ourselves than the recipient.   We think it may take time, which real-time feedback can happen in a 30-60 second conversation. We think it will be uncomfortable, and at first it may be, especially if you don't have permission. A simple question like: "Would you like feedback on your presentation?" opens the door.   I often hear valuable threads of feedback that, if given to the recipient rather than to me, would benefit them greatly. How would you like to hear the following from a trusted associate?  "Consider slowing down when presenting your proposal, ask for questions. This way you'll have time to catch your breath and will appear more confident." "Before starting your next project consider spending time with Philip to fully understand the ramifications from his point of view. Your tendency is to jump into projects quickly and then spin your wheels, costing time and additional resources and causing you stress." "If you'd arrive even five minutes earlier to a meeting, you'll look more confident and prepared instead of rushing in the door at the last minute looking flustered and disorganized." "I know you're pensive in meetings, deeply contemplating what is being presented. However your body language looks bored. Consider sitting up and contributing more. We'll look at you as a more vital team player." The key when providing feedback is to have permission. Even if a person invited feedback a while back, they may not be in the space to accept it today. They could be focused on a large presentation or be on a timeline. Ask if they would like feedback on this topic and if not now, when? Accept 'perhaps never.'   You consciously or subconsciously think of ways your associates could work more productively or effectively daily. Start the conversation, ask for the feedback for yourself, and don't be shy about giving valuable feedback in return for their consideration. Enjoy your discoveries and have an insightful week. Ann To see more of my published articles, including ''Invigorate Your Work Environment,' go to: Golden Visions & Associates, Coaching for Executive and Leadership Success and then click on Writing and Wisdom across the top. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : A Note From A Success Thought Fan: "Your email arrived at my inbox within the past hour.   As usual, perfect timing.   I am speaking at a local college this evening, on the topic of "Navigating Choppy Waters with Ethics and Heart:  Tales from the Financial Industry." I've been struggling with my outline.   This is the missing piece!    One of the many things I've learned from you is that when I need something, to put it out there in the universe, and it will arrive, right when it is needed.   Game plan accomplished to perfection today, thanks to you!  You're the best!" ~Doug Everett, CFP, Principle, Beech Creek Financial Group, Portland, Oregon P. S. We'd love to hear how you used our 'Success Thought of The Week' in your business or personal dealings.Please email your story to ann@gvasuccess.com. Who Can You Inspire? If Ann's 'Success Thoughts' inspire you to think or act even a little differently, please encourage your team, friends, family other associates to subscribe.  We've not met a human yet who wouldn't benefit from a little weekly inspiration.   We at Golden Visions & Associates will never use lists or send unsolicited ezines to grow our list of readers; however, we love adding new subscribers. We invite you to forward this newsletter to your friends or colleagues in it's entirety. Why not put your entire company or team on our list to receive these weekly motivators? It's easy. If you have a list of five or more names, please send it to pat@paperworkpartners.com and they'll start receiving their own 'Success Thoughts' next week. As always, it's great to be in touch with our subscribers in 'twelve' countries! Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, Mexico, China, and USA. If you receive these 'Thoughts' and live in a country that I have not mentioned, please let me know so I can salute you. Email: ann@GVAsuccess.com Phone: 541.385.8887 or toll free 1.888.831.8883 Website: www.GVAsuccess.com Copyright & Permission Copyright © 1998-2009 All rights reserved Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week" for October 14, 2009 as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, GV&A, Golden Visions & Associates, Coaching for Success, 541.385.8887, PO Box 1696, Bend, Or. 97709. www.GVAsuccess.com

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