• Posted on Mar 14, 2024

A senior leader spoke at my Farewell Work Party and described me as “𝗔 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁.”

I was winding down my leadership role as a Chief Learning Officer after giving a 4 month notice, working in a great 100% remote environment, and deeply appreciative the virtual send-off my department Directors had put together for me.

I fought HARD to keep my face from raising a brow and looking as confused as I felt! “A freight train with a mattress?” What in the world was he talking about….?!

In the zoom room were my colleagues, internal customers, and folks from other offices who came to give their warm farewell. I scanned the virtual crowd and noticed a mixture of laughs, strained looks, and poker faces…and of course those boxes with screens off and just names.

After a long pause, this senior leader continued. He explained that he would miss me and what I brought to the organization. That he appreciated how aggressively I advocated and fought (and won) for those I served to get their needs met. He said I did so with a powerful force that still managed to come off as nurturing and soft – like a mattress!

Once I had a chance to absorb the fullness of his testimony, I had to laugh at it myself. Yes, I totally own that! Even if I might describe myself a little differently, he was right on target with how I operated and what I prioritized.

It was a lesson in reflection on how others see me versus how I see myself. I also felt affirmed that my natural way of doing things was received well and appreciated. That I managed to find a healthy balance of assertiveness and compassion. Where those I served felt seen and cared for and knew I didn’t shy away from crucial conversations and advocacy on their behalf to move the needle.

That work was so rewarding. Every time I reflect on those times, I learn something new about who I am, how I work, and what drives me every day. This experience also reminded me of the power of feedback – it can be a mirror that reflects our blind spots and strengths, often leading to personal and professional growth.

𝐻𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡?

𝐻𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢?

I encourage you to lean into feedback that resonates and reflect deeply about input before disregarding it. Sometimes the feedback is good, but the time is not. There are so many nuances about feedback that I think it’s often best handled with care, trust, and agility.

#FeedbackIsGrowth #ContinuousLearning #OrganizationalSuccess

Watch this blog on YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/igIRgvifuN0?si=Znu8_TwVe8ZpAlZG

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(2) Helping employers transform their workforce into engaged leaders who prioritize an inclusive workplace culture as a strategic imperative.

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