Hill+Knowlton Strategies

I have just got my feet back under the desk after over two weeks out of the office. It was a surreal mix of my Stag weekend, a week with the in-laws and then week of WPP Training. I came back home utterly exhausted. But with perhaps a bit more insight about my strengths and weaknesses. And that was just fromthe in-laws!

Seriously, I felt very fortunate that H&K was prepared to allow me a week away from the fray on our fantastic Maestro course.

I took a lot from the week but one of my biggest reflections was on the  power of great feedback. People often talk about feedback being a “gift”. That may be the case but it has taken me a long time to recognise the value of this particular “gift”! And on Maestro you receive lots of gifts. It’s relentless…

That is has taken me so long to see its value may well be down to my own hang-ups or limitations. But I think it also reflects a broader viewpoint.

I know many clients, colleagues and friends who have been on the receiving end of really poor feedback. It feels critical, it is nebulous, it has no practical use. Essentially it serves only to undermine confidence.

It highlights the importance of giving leaders and line managers training on how to give and receive it.

Thankfully I was fortunate enough to receive some really constructive and useful feedback before, during and after the course (which was incredibly well facilitated by our friends at exetor). 

In my view the beauty of great feedback is in the delivery. It has to come from a good place (i.e. designed to help rather than hurt). It has to be specific – something the recipient can really get to grips with. And it has to have a practical suggestion attached. There really is no point giving the feedback if you don’t have any alternatives for the person receiving it…

So, I have plenty to work on over the coming weeks and months.  I’d like to start by thanking the peers, clients and colleagues who took time to give me the 360 degree feedback. I’ve spoken to most of you about it now so you should broadly know what I’m focussing on.

Finally just to mention the great group of people I worked so closely with on the Maestro course: Nathalie, Zsofia, Chris, Carmen and Kate. Thanks for all your help and remember I’m only a phone call away if I can help you in any way.