October    2007      

Inspiration spreads like wildfire. And inspired leaders radiate their energy to their team and beyond.

Last month I worked with some HR
folks at Microsoft. I met a woman who said something so energizing that I am compelled to share it. When describing her Vice President to me she said,

"I have been in this business for 25 years, and she is the most inspiring leader I have ever worked for.  There are days when coming to work for her is what gets me up in the morning!"

What struck me was the pure commitment and respect that this leader commanded.  And not only was her employee inspired, but she passed that energy on to me, and now I'm passing it on to you.

As a leader, you have the power to enrich the work experiences of your employees and direct reports. 

Challenge yourself and those around you. Share anecdotes that live in people's hearts. If you are inspired by someone or something, pass your inspiration on to your team. I have no doubt that they will pay it forward in beneficial ways.

You know my philosophy, "If you feel it, say it!"  I encourage you to send me feedback or ask questions about anything you read here. You are welcome to challenge me. I'm here to challenge you.
Chris  

Each month I'll share a question that made me stop and think. You might want to pause for a moment on this too, or write it on a white board and share it with your staff. 

MANAGE YOUR PEOPLE : Elicit Feedback

You know that feeling you get in your gut just before you ask for feedback? Everybody gets it.

It is a battle of the wills between the little part of you that's proud of being "big" enough to ask, and the part that's scared to death of how you'll feel after. Who's winning the battle in your world?

• We are afraid of what we'll hear
• We want to appear perfect
• We didn't see our leaders elicit feedback

Eliciting Feedback Improves Your Team

When you receive feedback, it:

1. Reinforces the things you do that positively impact those around you.
   
   
2. Shines a light on blind-spots (and yes we all have them).
   
   
3. Sends a message that you are grounded in reality and willing to talk openly about strengths, weaknesses and improving performance.
   
   
4. Demonstrates that you are committed to your own growth and development and truly care about being your most effective.
   
   
5. Fosters a culture of open and honest communication and makes giving feedback MUCH easier.

I've said it before, we grow when we know.

How To Ask For Feedback

Make time for feedback. Don't ask for feedback 3 minutes before a big presentation. You show respect when you give the other person time to gather their thoughts, and by taking the time to process what they tell you.

Be clear and sincere. People can spot fishing. Feedback isn't idle conversation. Don't try disguising it as water cooler talk.  

Set the parameters. Specify that you want honest and constructive feedback. You can lead by example here. If you give honest and constructive feedback, they have a model to build on. 

Say thanks. If they give you sincere praise and recognition, thank them, and press them for something you could improve. If they point out something that they think needs to be addressed, recognize that it took courage for them to tell you. Thank them for that, and for their insights. 

Process the information. Look for themes. Use praise to fuel your fire. Fight the urge to dismiss feedback that you disagree with. There is always something you can learn. Let your curiosity win out over your fears - if you need to know more, elicit further feedback. 

FYI: In case you missed it, my article on Giving Feedback is here.

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Who Is This Guy?

Chris Obst is a:

• Management Coach
• Principal of Core Dynamics Group
• Human Performance Institute Canada Associate
• Soccer Convert

Still asking
"Who is this guy?"

Call me
604.209.4988
 

If You Feel It Say It 

Susan Phelan
Corporate Athelete Program Participant

  Have you got a success story to share?
Send it to me
 

Could your team use an energy boost?

Call Chris for a customized workshop or coaching program, based on the Manage Your People and Manage Your Energy principles.

Manage Your Energy: Sleep 

Sleep is a key component of optimal energy management and on the job performance.

If you aren't getting enough sleep, you'll likely feel your physical energy level drop but you may not be as aware of the impact on your mental and emotional energy levels.  But if you don't notice, those around you might because it effects your patience, irritability, confidence, concentration, and creativity.

Things YOU might do to sabotage your sleep

• Dehydration: If you don't drink enough water or you drink too much alcohol, your whole body struggles at night.
  
  
• A busy tummy: If you eat meals that are too rich, or too large, too close to bed time, your stomach will keep you up.
  
  
• Fried nerves: If you drink too much caffeine and/or don't exercise, your body essentially builds up static electricity!

There are small changes that you can make during the day, and at night, to help you get a better sleep.

During the Day, High Performers: eat light, eat right and eat often, exercise and keep moving throughout the day, take breaks, drink water at regular intervals, and keep the vices (coffee, crantinis, caramel fudge sundaes) to a minimum.

In the Evening, High Performers: set up a bed time routine (Why do you think we set bed time routines for kids? Because they work!), create physical space and time between work and sleep, journal for 10 minutes to get the ideas out, leave a note pad by the bed to let out the half conscious bursts, stick to consistent times for going to bed and waking up, enjoy the benefits of having lived well during the day.

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 Tools for the Tool Kit

2-Day Program For Leaders
Energy For Performance

Hosted by the Human Performance Institute and Core Dynamics Group Co-facilitated by
Chris Obst

November 22-23 2007
in Vancouver
Early-bird Rate Ends
Oct 12

Just Released

The Power of Story

a new release by Dr. Jim Loehr, New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Power of Full Engagement 

  Words of Wisdom

"The highest form
of maturity
is self-inquiry."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.