Day 20 ~ Delivering Effective Feedback that Truly Serves
20. Jan, 2010 
2 Comments
After 12 years in the network marketing industry, I’ve grown to accept that not everyone is going to like what I do. Not everyone is going to like my style, and that’s ok.
I think network marketing REQUIRES a thick skin. Heck, I think LIFE requires a thick skin!
I’m a person that speaks my mind, and always have been. In fact, my parents love to tell a story about me from the 7th grade, when I stood on my desk in the classroom and gave a male-chauvinistic pig teacher a piece of my mind! But that’s a story for another time! 
I also respects others who speak their mind, but only if the message being sent is in the context of compassion and integrity. For example, if someone has let me down, I will first and foremost open up a dialogue to see if the person is open to my feedback.
Usually people will say yes, because after all, isn’t the point of feedback to help us grow?
From there, I make sure the person knows if my thoughts and concerns are based on facts or if they are my personal assumptions. Once heard, the person may or may not agree with me, and that too is ok. What’s important is that I’ve spoken my truth, something I believe will help this person along their path, and what that person chooses to do from there is entirely up to them. They may do nothing, or they may do nothing now, but reflect on it and find that it will indeed serve them after all.
The bottom line is I’m a huge believer in opening lines of communication in a way that is respectful and supportive. I definitely don’t stand for unproductive criticism that is rude, unwarranted or demoralizing to a person’s character.
Isn’t it called “constructive” criticism for a a reason?
So with this in mind, I created Day 20 of my Tribe Mastery 30 Day Video Challenge around the importance of delivering feedback effectively and clearly. The recommendations I share are what I follow, and truly believe have served me greatly in creating long-lasting, rewarding friendships throughout my life.
Beth
You a freaking me out in a good way lol…I literally wrote a reply Kimberly’s blog about constructive criticism and here you are talking about it!
I think it is so important to have constructive criticism…it helps us grow, reflect and make things better.
Learning to deal with CC however is easier said than done and you are totally right it is always best to test the water and see if that person is open to CC first.
As mentors and leaders the worst thing someone could do is say something to someone who is not open or ready to make changes.
Another great post Beth and you only have 10 days to go to complete your challenge that has to feel pretty good!
Beth H
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Beth ~ As long it’s good freakin’ out we’re ok!
Yes, CC is so valuable to receive…..as long as it actually is constructive, like I said!
Thanks for all your support….yes, 10 more days! woo hoo!
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