In leadership, resilience is often seen as a vital trait, but it’s important to understand that resilience doesn’t simply mean enduring hardships - it’s about being flexible, adaptive, and open to change.
1. Ideas, Insights and Inspirations
How Receiving Feedback and Acting on It Builds Personal Resilience
Receiving feedback can be a challenging experience, particularly when the feedback is not what we expect or want to hear. However, the ability to process, reflect upon, and act on feedback plays a critical role in developing personal resilience, especially in leadership roles. This article explores how one CEO used feedback to not only survive but thrive in a turbulent business environment. His journey offers valuable insights into how receiving feedback can foster resilience, adaptability, and long-term growth.
The Initial Struggle: Facing Harsh Feedback
In a recent coaching session, I reflected on the journey of a CEO working in the renewable energy and mobility sector. He faced numerous challenges, from market volatility, team dynamics, and technology disruptions. Despite these challenges, he managed to lead with resilience, innovation, and creativity. What struck me was how he used feedback, even when it was difficult to accept, to build this resilience over time.
When we first started working together over a year ago, one of the initial steps was to get some data on his leadership with a 360-degree feedback from his team, amongst other. The results were harsh - his leadership style, though technically brilliant, was not well-received by his team. This feedback was not easy to swallow. At this point, he had two choices:
- Option 1: React emotionally - get defensive, dismiss the feedback, feel frustrated and misunderstood.
- Option 2: Approach it practically - assess the source of the feedback, ask questions for clarification, and act on it where necessary.
He chose the latter, setting the stage for personal growth and resilience.
The Emotional Reaction vs. Practical Response
The key lesson here is understanding that our immediate response to feedback is often emotional. When feedback is critical or not in line with how we see ourselves, it is easy to get upset. This emotional reaction can prevent us from taking meaningful actions and implementing changes. However, when approached practically, feedback can be a powerful tool for growth.
Assessing where the feedback comes from:
- Ask clarifying questions, and
- Take necessary actions.
Feedback now becomes a powerful driver for improvement.
The CEO's Path to Growth: A Commitment to Learning
Faced with the challenging feedback, the CEO chose to learn and improve. He sought to understand what he needed to change to become a better leader. This was no easy task. After years of working in a particular way, being told that it no longer worked was disorienting. He recognised however that his core abilities - his intelligence, creativity, and innovation, remained intact. What needed adjustment was his leadership approach.
Through introspection, study, and guidance from coaching, he began to make small but significant changes in his leadership style. These incremental improvements had a massive impact, both on his leadership effectiveness and his relationship with his team.
The Role of Feedback in Building Resilience
Resilience, often celebrated as a trait of great leaders, is not an inherent quality but something that can be cultivated over time. One of the key factors in building resilience is flexibility - the ability to listen to feedback, process it, and adapt. This CEO's resilience was a product of his willingness to take feedback on board and do something with it, even when it was difficult.
In challenging times, particularly when external forces such as market disruptions or technological changes create uncertainty, this kind of resilience is critical. It allows leaders to remain steadfast and committed, not by ignoring difficulties but by actively engaging with them and adapting.
Lessons in Leadership: Staying True to Yourself
Another important aspect of this CEO’s resilience was his sense of purpose. When I asked why he continued to push forward despite the many obstacles, his response was revealing. He wasn’t doing it for external validation or to impress others, he was driven by a larger purpose. This clarity of purpose gave him the staying power to persevere, even when the journey became difficult.
This is a vital lesson for leaders: resilience is bolstered when we stay true to ourselves and our larger purpose, rather than seeking approval from others. Having a clear "why" can sustain us through the most challenging times.
Key Steps to Building Resilience Through Feedback
- Acknowledge the Emotional Response
It is natural to have an emotional reaction to feedback, especially when it’s unexpected or confrontational. Recognise this response, but do not let it guide your actions. - Assess the Source of the Feedback
Not all feedback is equal. It’s important to evaluate where the feedback is coming from. Is it from someone who has a clear understanding of your role and the challenges you face? Is the feedback specific and actionable? - Ask for Clarification
Before acting on feedback, seek clarification. Ask questions to ensure you fully understand the feedback and the reasoning behind it. - Take Action
Feedback is only valuable if it leads to change. Experiment with new approaches, even if the changes are small. Some actions may not produce immediate results, but through trial and error, growth happens. - Stay Committed to Growth
Resilience is built over time. By staying committed to learning and growing, and by consistently acting on feedback, leaders can develop the resilience needed to navigate the uncertainties of today’s business world.
Resilience and Flexibility Go Hand-in-Hand
In leadership, resilience is often seen as a vital trait, but it’s important to understand that resilience doesn’t simply mean enduring hardships - it’s about being flexible, adaptive, and open to change. As this CEO’s journey demonstrates, feedback is an essential tool in building resilience. By being open to feedback, assessing it, and taking action, we not only improve as leaders but also strengthen our ability to face future challenges with confidence.
The lesson is clear: resilience is not just about staying the course; it’s about constantly evolving and adapting based on the insights we gain along the way.
If This Resonates, It’s Time to Diagnose Your Feedback Gaps
If this newsletter resonates with you, it might be time to take a closer look at how you and your team are handling feedback. Are you truly listening and taking action, or are hidden gaps impacting your performance more than you realise? Ignoring feedback can cost your business in lost revenue, disengaged employees, and higher turnover.
Why not take the next step and discover where you and your team might be falling short with a Feedback Diagnostic? This quiz will highlight any gaps in how feedback is received and acted on, giving you valuable insights to help improve team performance and drive results.
Reach out and I will send you a link to the Feedback Diagnostic - at no cost to you!
2. Reflections
The 10% Differentiator - OUT NOW!
Imagine someone with all the right skills and knowledge. What's that little extra they need to focus on? It's simple things: building relationships, listening to feedback, really getting to know others, and showing they care. These small actions make a big difference in being a great leader.
These observations inspired my research and became the driving force behind my new book.
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