JimmyOentoro.com

Hear honest feedback

We have lines of authority that we respect in our business, but we do not want lines of communication that limit people from being free to speak, offer ideas and give feedback at any level. By its very definition, feedback is a two way street. If we make our customers happy, we want to spread that good news around so everyone in the company can enjoy the feeling of a job well done.

If we fail to make our customers happy, we also share that information. Honest feedback should travel throughout an organization in all directions, not just from the top down. Servant leadership is rooted in the concept that honest feedback, when given in the right spirit and attitude, is the best way to develop people and the organization.

Test this to assess whether a leader desires honest feedback:

- Do you listen or do you interrupt?
- Do you inquire or do you blame others?
- Do you seek understanding or do you make excuses?
- Do you ask for suggestions or do you defend yourself?
- Do you accept feedback as a gift or do you change the subject?

You may never have asked yourself such questions, but your employees already know the answers about you!