People crave feedback.   They don’t receive enough of it.  Often when they do receive it, they are unsure what to do with it.  Ever see someone mutter with embarrassment when they are praised or given a compliment?    It doesn’t have to be formal or take a lot of time.  It just needs to be sincere and constructive.\n\nWe received this note the other day from an employee in an company that we have been working with for six months.\n\n”Since the last time we met there has been a lot of improvement.  The shop is running a lot smoother with the reorganization.  I am enjoying my new position in the company. I have more freedom to be creative and come up with new ideas to improve the shop and better the company.”\n\nIt was very meaningful, not mention helpful to receive this feedback.   We received feedback from the CEO, but this was from a team member.   They’d worked hard as a group to identify process improvements, clarify roles and understand their strengths. Through this process the employee was able to see where he could have the most impact and felt free to share his idea.   The change was implemented and they are starting to see results.   He was empowered.    He figured out that he need to be in a different seat on the bus in order to play to his strengths and his team supported him in the move.   \n\nOn the flip side of this equation, people should also not be shy about asking for feedback.  For example, my 8 year old  recently learned a new skill – how to ride a stand-up jet-ski.     He didn’t wait for feedback he solicited it.   After practicing and trying to master this new skill, he came in toward shore and  I thought he must be tired.   But I was wrong, he came into ask, “How am I doing?”   And before we could barely answer he hit the throttle and went back out.   Over the course of the weekend,  he repeated this process.  He listened, applied the suggested improvement and in a very short time was feeling confident enough to ask, “When can start I racing?”\n\nAsking, “How am I doing?” can open the door for dialog and feedback that can lead to improved performance. So when it comes to feedback.   Give it freely and accept it openly.    The results may surprise you.