Unlocking the Power of Feedback
Gathering feedback is one of the most useful tools we have and most people don’t lean on it enough, not because we don’t have access to it, but because we’re afraid to ask for it. We’re afraid to hear something we don’t want to hear. We’re afraid it may make us question ourselves, our path, or our choices. So instead of asking, we stay silent in fear of a response to the question. This is the benefit of coaching, always getting an outsider perspective on your challenges and growth opportunities. But what if you don’t have a coach to give you constructive feedback?
"Feedback is always valuable and it doesn't have to be hard."
I recently asked two of my clients to give me feedback. They have both been through my extensive 6-month private coaching program and are now in my Elevate program. I asked one of them to illustrate my new book (it’s coming, I promise!). She needed to read it first so I asked her for feedback. Now you have to know that this book is ME. I was reluctant to ask but I’m so happy I did, because her feedback was spot on. It was so clear and exactly what I needed to hear. She told me that I’m trying to fit too much into one chapter and it’s ok to just focus on one thing. Typically when we receive feedback, it’s not a surprise. I knew this was a topic I was excited and passionate about and I just wanted to share more and more. After talking with her I started to look at other places and started to think about everything a little differently. I was trying to pack in too much information into this one podcast, this one call, this one blog post. But that’s why we need to be open to feedback.
“Feedback is a gift. If someone is willing to go through discomfort in order to give you feedback, it’s because they care. They care about your success, your potential. They believe in you. You know who we don’t give feedback to? People who we don’t think deserve it.”
You deserve this.
Next, I spoke with another client about my Elevate membership program. I want to make sure I’m showing up for people and delivering information in the best possible way. So when she said that I was giving too much homework I was surprised at first. In my mind I was providing a buffet of options that my clients can pick and choose to do. But then I remembered that I’m working with people who are natural overachievers and if I give them 5 homework assignments, they’re going to do all of them with their whole heart and for most people, that’s too much. I never want my clients to feel overwhelmed so hearing this was so valuable. It also reminded me that if you’re hearing the same or similar things multiple times from multiple sources, you can trust it.
We need to practice getting ourselves into a mindset where we can be open to receiving feedback and receiving it often. In many situations we are only asked to give feedback once a year and going into that meeting you’re often nervous about how it will be received. Giving feedback can be difficult, but giving it can be equally hard. I want to create a space where my clients are ready and willing to give feedback at any time knowing that it will be well received because we want each other to improve and be better. I’m in the business of helping and supporting people, so if I'm not supporting them in the way they need, then I want to know. But I need to ask.
Be open. Ask. Get comfortable with it. It's a part of your growth. It's a part of the journey.
Jaime Gennaro is a business coach, helping people launch and grow their businesses with joy and abundance, without grind or hustle. Helping people learn to manage like a coach. Registration is open for her private 6-month coaching program, to help you get from launch to driving revenue. Schedule a discovery call with Jaime to see if coaching is right for you. http://practica.consulting/contact.
