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Meg joined our team in January. I thought my job was to mentor her, but she continues to mentor me!
Over the past few months, I’ve noticed that whenever Meg sends an email with a deliverable, she adds to the end of her email, “All feedback welcome.” In fact, she consistently rolls out this Feedback Welcome Mat internally to our team and externally to clients. So, I asked her about it. Here’s what she said: “One day, it occurred to me that people can be timid about giving feedback for fear of hurting my feelings. So, I decided to add those words to convey that I am open and willing [to learn] and wanting to help. I also add a smiley face [to convey my sincerity].” This refreshing “always a mentee” mindset demonstrates Meg’s commitment to meeting needs while also learning and growing. She operates with almost utter disregard for being judged or criticized. As if choosing between her feelings and a shared goal, she chooses the goal. By proactively and eagerly welcoming comments, Meg normalizes the exchange of feedback and the learning journey. This short phrase squashes any hesitation her colleagues and clients might have in voicing a different perspective or examining her solution. And she has entirely prevented the need to invoke the cringe-inducing “Can I give you some feedback?” On the receiving end, I am relieved when I read those words: All feedback welcome. I feel reassured to ask questions, mentor, support, opine, and offer improvements without fear that doing so will damage our relationship. Because Meg eagerly seeks input, I engage confidently, knowing that she will embrace any comment not as criticism but as a contribution. In response to her invitation to contribute, I often respond with, “I have an idea…” “What about…” “What’s your thought…?” “Here’s another perspective…” and “Here’s another way we can solve this…” As a result, when Meg and I work together, it feels like a partnership. I don’t dump work on her and judge her deliverable. We collaborate. And in doing so, we improve each other’s work and help each other grow and develop. Permission to contribute granted with three simple words. Perpetually searching for wisdom leaves little time to worry whether people like us. “I never learned anything while I was talking.” ~ Larry King © 2024. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved. |