Leadership and Feedback by Zenger Folkman

Leaders need feedback to be effective. There is an extremely strong correlation between a leader’s ability to accept and utilize feedback and their overall effectiveness as a leader.  The following graph shows this relationship. Leaders who rank at the bottom 10% in their ability to accept and respond to feedback reach only the 17th percentile in overall leadership effectiveness. Note that those at the top 10% in accepting feedback are in the 83rd percentile – an increase of 66% over those who do not take feedback well. It’s clear where our celebrities fell. But how would you fare?

Keys to Accepting Feedback

1.    Assume others’ perceptions are real. The biggest issue in accepting feedback is that leaders assume they are right and others are wrong. People believe their own perceptions. Rather than saying, “They are wrong!” it is much more beneficial to say, “What am I doing to cause people to see me in that way?”

2.    You need to care. Leaders who have more concern and consideration for others are more likely to accept feedback. One of the ways to care more is to understand the long term consequences of not caring: Customers leave; subordinates quit; children, partners and spouses distance themselves. It is difficult for most of us to step back and start to realize that we are on a disastrous course. Feedback from others will give you some insight, as long as you are open to listening with genuine care.

3.    Be confident and courageous. People who assume there is nothing they can change will rarely ask for feedback, but the assumption they can’t change deters others from attempting to share their input at all. We have ample data that proves people can and do change—but only when they are willing to try.

4.    Be honest with yourself. People generally recognize the times they are dishonest with others, but it is harder to recognize the most insidious dishonesty of all—with ourselves. We rationalize that the issue isn’t really a problem, that others can’t be trusted, and that we are right and they are wrong. It is worth the effort to create an unwavering and accurate picture of the world as it really is. The only way to genuinely understand where you are is with accurate data from multiple perspectives. Just as GPS devices need input from 4 different satellites to identify an accurate location, you need input from managers, peers and direct reports to be certain your perception is whole.

5.    Take steps to change. Most people are willing to give feedback to others who will do something with the information. When you listen, also make it a point to take steps to improve that others will notice. When we ignore the feedback from others or react badly to hearing the message, they will simply give up. Even worse, If you are in a position of power, they will tell you only the things you want to hear.

dEEVOiR CBE India is a strategic partner of Zenger Folkman, USA.