The Power of Feedback: Fuel for Career Growth and Personal Development

The Power of Feedback: Fuel for Career Growth and Personal Development

by | Aug 26, 2024 | Invest in Yourself, Self-Care

As we navigate our professional and personal journeys, pivoting and growing our skills is an essential part of our career journey. One element that we often take for granted is asking for and accepting feedback. Whether it comes from a colleague, a mentor, a friend, or a family member, feedback plays an invaluable role in our growth and development. Here’s why embracing feedback can be a game-changer for your career and life.

1. Enhances Self-Awareness

Feedback provides an external perspective on our actions and behaviors. It sheds light on our strengths and areas for improvement that we might not notice ourselves. This heightened self-awareness is the first step towards meaningful personal growth and career advancement.

2. Promotes Continuous Learning

In the fast-paced world we live in, continuous learning is essential. Feedback is a powerful tool that helps us stay on track with our development goals. By understanding what works and what doesn’t, we can adapt and evolve, ensuring we remain competitive and effective in our roles. It also reminds us of those skills and accomplishments that we may take for granted.

3. Strengthens Relationships

Asking for and accepting feedback demonstrates humility and a willingness to improve. This can foster stronger relationships, both personally and professionally. When people see that you value their input, they are more likely to respect and support you.

4. Boosts Performance

Constructive feedback provides clear guidance on how to enhance performance. Whether it’s a new strategy at work or a different approach in your personal life, feedback can help you refine your actions and achieve better/different outcomes. Over time, this can lead to significant improvements and successes.

5. Encourages Accountability

Receiving feedback holds us accountable for our actions and decisions. It encourages us to take responsibility and make necessary adjustments. This accountability is crucial for personal integrity and professional reliability.

6. Fosters Resilience

Feedback, especially constructive criticism, can be challenging to hear. However, learning to accept and act on feedback builds resilience. It teaches us to handle criticism gracefully and use it as a stepping stone rather than a setback.

7. Facilitates Goal Setting

Feedback can help us set realistic and achievable goals. By understanding where we currently stand and what we need to work on, we can set clear, targeted goals for improvement. This focused approach increases our chances of success.

 

Ultimately, feedback is not just a tool for professional development; it’s a cornerstone of personal growth as well. Embrace it with an open mind and a positive attitude, and you’ll find it to be one of the most valuable resources in your journey towards success.

 

Let’s make feedback a regular part of our routine and watch how it transforms our careers and lives!

Your Partner in Change,

Marsha Haygood

Life is Full of Changes both Big and Small

Life is Full of Changes both Big and Small

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Invest in Yourself, Self-Care

Life is full of changes both big and small. Many are expected, but some catch us completely by surprise causing us to shift our plans.

Make a Plan

Personal Changes

  • Designate a specific time of year to review and update your personal information – your passwords, budget, credit rating, etc.
  • Check to ensure your important documents are up to date and in a secure location- your Will, life insurance, health documents, deed, licenses, etc
  • Make appointments for medical follow-ups, etc.

Professional Changes

  • Update/refresh your resume, bio, headshot and social profiles
  • Reqest recommendations, references and testimonials for your accomplishments
  • Review trends in your company and industry that can positively or negatively affect you
  • Connect /Reconnect with friends and current and former associates to check in on them and catch up (without asking for anything)

Don’t consider these things a chore. Embrace the idea that you can learn and grow from every experience.

Review and acknowledge your current support system.

Ask those who have helped you along the way how you might support them.

Remember, a simple “Thank You” never goes out of style!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this and other ways to consider preparing for known and unexpected changes.

Let’s help each other win. 

Happy Summer!

 

Your Partner in Change,

Marsha Haygood

Are You Telling the Truth

Are You Telling the Truth

by | Sep 20, 2023 | Career, Invest in Yourself

I recently read an article that indicated that many people are reluctant to tell the truth because they might anger, offend or hurt someone’s feelings.

 

Instead, they try to honor other people’s needs and wishes because they don’t want to challenge, have a discussion or share their opinion.

 

Although this may feel right at the time, it can and often does send a mixed message which can cause stress and lead to distrust.

 

You don’t need to keep your opinion to yourself.

 

Communication is Power

Speak up and diplomatically share your thoughts, ideas and needs.

 

If you need time to form your opinion before sharing it, Say So!

 

Suggesting time to think about a situation is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of thoughtfulness and demonstrates confidence.

 

Being direct and truthful may not always get you what you want, but it can lead to a better outcome.

 

Let Me Know What You Think – Share Your Thoughts

Your partner in change,

-Marsha

 

 

 

 

Make Time For You

Make Time For You

by | Sep 6, 2023 | Invest in Yourself, Self-Care

Over time we have been conditioned to believe that More = Better & Busy = Productive. 

However, as you know, this is usually not the case and often leads to burnout, brain drain and stress.

Most of us have long, overwhelming To Do lists, but what would happen:

  • If you slowed down and focused on one or two things at a time?
  • If you took time to reflect and recharge?

How would you feel if you practiced some of the success routines you have heard and read about- took a nap, a walk, or just sat and reflected for a short time?

I know it may seem a bit uncomfortable and may feel selfish, but I urge you to set some quality time for yourself.

You Cannot Continue to Pour From an Empty Cup!

Trust that reflection and focus helps you look at solutions and opportunities that you may otherwise have missed.

We need to break the cycle of trying to do it all.

Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation!

If I can help you move forward with purpose, let’s talk!

-Marsha

 

Asking for and Accepting Feedback

Asking for and Accepting Feedback

by | Jul 29, 2023 | Goal Setting, Invest in Yourself

Feedback, both personal and professional, offers you a look at your blind spots and allows you to learn how you are being perceived.

It is a gift that offers positive tips and reminders of your strengths and behaviors which you may take for granted.

It also can enlighten you to areas you may want to tweak, strengthen, enhance or avoid.

Every July, I conduct what I call a “self-audit” and schedule time to review my goals, looking at the progress I’ve made and reviewing the barriers I’ve encountered.

In addition, every other year, I actually send out a short feedback questionnaire to those who have agreed to answer a few questions with the understanding that all answers will be used for my growth and will not be questioned or disputed.

I have been doing this for many years and find it to be both beneficial and often eye-opening.

Feedback is a gift and I suggest you make time to ask for it and then listen and learn from the information you receive.

I have become aware of opportunities as well as challenges from this strategy and my company has grown from practicing this routine consistently.

Have you asked for and received constructive feedback to help you on your success journey?

Are there routines and habits that you have put in place that have helped you to leverage your strengths and optimize your potential?

Please share some ideas that should be considered as we move forward with purpose.
Your Partner in Change,
-Marsha
marsha@marshahaygood.com

P.S. I’ll be speaking at the 37th Annual NAMIC Conference. Join me there!

 

 

Reflect, Recharge And Revisit

Reflect, Recharge And Revisit

by | Apr 20, 2023 | Career, Goal Setting, Invest in Yourself, Self-Care

I hope that during these first few months of the year you have taken some time to reflect on all that you have previously accomplished, recharged and made time for self- care and revisited your goals and intentions for the future.

I know how easy it is to get busy and be distracted by things that can take you off course. Consider this a little nudge. 😊

Don’t beat yourself up about what you have not yet done.

You are too important to let your desires, goals and intentions fall by the wayside.

Instead, dedicate some time to review your intentions and write them down if you have not done so already.

Look at the barriers that may have prevented you from moving forward.

Was it skill or will that has held you back?

Did you really set a goal or was it just a dream?

Goals require planning, dreams do not!

Don’t let limiting beliefs and negative self-talk hold you back from moving forward with purpose.

If you need time to regroup, recharge or “just be”, then take some time, but put a deadline on it and set a real date that you will get back on track.

The best opportunities often arise during the most challenging of times, so give yourself some grace and be open to all that awaits you.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t do.”

Now is the time to identify and leverage your strength and to optimize your potential.

Let me know how I might support you as you Move Forward with Purpose,

Your Partner in Change,

-Marsha
marsha@marshahaygood.com