The Complete New Manager

41 Learn from Feedback

Inside people’s heads is a picture of how they see themselves. This mental self-portrait sums up their values, behaviors, and self-image. In most cases, leaders with a fatal flaw are totally unaware of that flaw. For example, people who immediately reject others’ ideas would probably describe themselves as having such extensive experience that they know what ideas will succeed and fail. These individuals don’t know they are perceived as rejecting everyone else’s ideas. How can that be changed?

Feedback from coaching, team discussions, or 360-degree surveys can provide “disconfirming information.” The messages conveyed would be contrary to leaders’ self-perceptions. This creates a dilemma and forces action. Leaders now have ...