Four Simple Steps For Effective Feedback

Feedback is an important way for leaders to communicate and manage their teams.

Feedback can be positive and 'constructive' (rather than negative).

It's important to give both types of feedback, rather than just always giving one (usually constructive).

Avoid linking the two – giving with one hand and taking away with the other.

How To Deliver Effective Feedback

Be timely. Give feedback as soon as possible otherwise the relevance and effectiveness is lost.

Be aware of your body language, tone and words. Avoid using confrontational words or tone if you have more challenging behaviour or performance to discuss.

Be direct, open and honest. Consider their frame of reference – it may be different from yours, which may affect the message they hear. What are their values, attitudes and experiences?

Four Steps For Effective Feedback

1. Be specific. What are the facts as you see them? Describe the specific actions and behaviours you observed. What specifically was said or done?

2. Your thoughts. What impact has their action had on other people, the business or in general? What are your thoughts, opinions or conclusions as a result of the action? Remember they are your thoughts so state this – “I think that …”. Link what you observed to what you thought.

3. Your feelings. How do you feel about the situation (NOT about the individual) – frustrated, disappointed, pleased – “I feel…” not “You made me feel …”

4. The outcome. What is the result or outcome you want? What do you want them to change, improve, stop or continue? Be clear about what you want so they understand what they need to change or keep doing.

Once you have delivered the feedback, allow them to respond, especially with constructive feedback. Have they fully understood? Actively listen to what they say.

It's often more difficult to deliver constructive feedback but both forms need to be effective.

Plan your feedback

What is the reason for giving feedback - a job well done, an opportunity for improvement, a lesson to be learned.

When and where will you give it? It may take only a few seconds or a few minutes but the time and place needs to be appropriate. A brief thank you or a planned meeting.

If you need additional information on providing feedback or you want to discuss a specific situation you're facing - Get In Touch.

What makes you happy?

It's the International Day of Happiness - so how happy are you and what makes you happy.

The sun has come out - that makes me happy.

• A lovely bunch of flowers - freshly delivered or picked from the garden - that makes me happy.

• Chocolate (good quality) - that always makes me happy.

• Watching the birds in my garden - that makes me happy.

• Listening to my favourite music or an upbeat song - that makes me happy.

• Children and babies - they make me laugh and smile with their wonder at the world.

There's more of what makes me happy on my Facebook Page.

Whatever you do in life - be happy! :)

Are you feeling guilty?

Many working mums (and dads) can find themselves torn between their work and their home life.

They feel guilty when they're at work that they should be spending time with their children.

They feel guilty when they're with their children that they should be working.

This problem is made worse when you work from home.  Not only are you juggling the responsibilities of being a parent with work in the same environment but you've also got school runs, shopping, cleaning and cooking to distract you.

Be clear - both with yourself and with family.  When you're working you're in work mode, don't get distracted by non-work activity.

When you're in personal time - then leave work in the office, that includes those 'out of hours' phone calls and emails.  Focus on your family and yourself.

This doesn't mean you need to stick to a strictly 9-5 routine, or that you should end up working long hours in order to fit everything in.

Taking a break from work to focus on a few domestic activities is a good way to switch your energy and activity levels.  Set time limits, so you 'quick break' doesn't overrun.

Break up your working day so that you schedule in chunks of work time and time for personal tasks or to spend time with the children.

If you're better planned and organised, with a routine that works for you, you'll feel less guilty.

Get in touch if you need help creating a working schedule and for other tips to reduce your guilt.

Image courtesy of [FrameAngel] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Networking Tips #36 Does it work?

I often get asked what I get from networking or if it really works.

If you've read through the rest of the series of networking tips then you'll already know the answer.

Yet I still meet people at networking events who expect to come along to a meeting and gain business - instantly!  Not surprisingly - they probably won't return when they're disappointed.

Yes it does work but like anything - you get out of it what you put in.  The more active and engaged you are, the more you'll achieve.

It's all about sowing seeds and growing relationships - keep them fed and watered to see them grow and bear fruit.

I've connected with people and businesses that have provided my business with products and services as well as those who have become clients.

Put in a little time and effort (in a measured and balanced way) and you may be pleasantly surprised.

What are your experiences of networking?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Top Three Blog Posts

Here are a few of the most popular blog posts in recent months: 

Babies in the office.  Sounds like a great idea for Mums worrying about childcare - taking your baby or toddler to work with you but is it? Well, knowing the impact that young children have on Mums who work from home and are juggling their business around looking after small children - the idea of bring babies and toddlers into an office environment sounds like a recipe for disaster and disruption ...

Give yourself an MOT. We MOT and service our cars regularly and they're only lumps of metal and plastic - so why not MOT yourself. ... Make sure you have regular check-ups to keep on top of your health. Your health is the most important asset you have and unfortunately years of abuse, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to longer term problems ...


Is the Olympic Games playing havoc with work?  Events like the Olympics really capture the imagination and have a nation on the edge of their seats as their athletes compete for those precious gold, silver and bronze medals.  ... So how do you keep yourself and your employees focused on work, while still managing to get involved with some of the triumphs and inevitable disappointments of the games? ...

Each month's newsletter gives you tips, information and resources to help grow your business and improve your work life balance - direct to your inbox.

You can get the latest issue and a Free Report - "7 Essential Time Tips" by entering your details in the box on the right.

Read the full blog posts

• Babies in the office (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Is the Olympic Games playing havoc with work? (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Give yourself an MOT (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Babies in the office

Sounds like a great idea for Mums worrying about childcare - taking your baby or toddler to work with you but is it?

Well, knowing the impact that young children have on Mums who work from home and are juggling their business around looking after small children - the idea of bring babies and toddlers into an office environment sounds like a recipe for disaster and disruption.

Young children crawling around your feet, getting sticky fingers everywhere, investigating places they shouldn't, being dragged away from shiny objects, buttons, switches and hazardous office equipment, emptying out the waste-paper bin, dropping crumbs and probably worse on the keyboard, demanding constant attention, having a tantrum while you're on the phone, trying to keep half an eye on them while attempting to do your work, needing to be fed, changed and entertained at frequent intervals.  To say nothing of the disruption, distraction and annoyance to your fellow workers - even if they are a very cute distraction to be cooed over.

Still think it sounds like a good idea?

It's bad enough trying to have a conversation with a Mum with young children around, when you're not in the office environment.  They're constantly interrupted by demanding youngsters or they're not really listening as they have half an eye on what their child is up to and will dash off to see to their needs while ignoring everything else.

Unless you happen to have a creche facilities at your office where you know they'll be looked after and entertained while you work but give you the opportunity to see them during breaks and your lunch hour - now that might work.

Do you think this would work in your office environment?  Would you want to take your young baby or toddler to work with you?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles:

Babies in the office BBC Two
Bringing in baby (guardian.co.uk)

Are You An Absent Dad?

In the last week there have been two TV programmes aimed at fatherhood - Daddy Daycare (Channel 4) and Wonderland: A Dad Is Born (BBC2) - I have to say I didn't watch either of them.  It was also discussed on Radio 4 Woman's Hour

Many of the men I work with often have one goal in mind - to spend more time with their children.  They realise they're working long hours and typically get home late but can't always see a solution.

Often they're running their own business or working in executive positions where they need or are expected to work long hours.  Some have long commutes between home and work or need to be away from home for several days at a time.

Children grow up fast, so not spending time with them on a regular basis means missing out on their growing up, especially when they're young.  Something which many people then regret at a later stage.

While you might not be able to be completely hands-on, don't miss out on their childhood because you think you have to be work. Find the all important time to spend with your children, while they're still young.  After all - the reason you're working hard is to provide for your family, don't be an absent father.

• Drop them off or pick them up from school.  Perhaps not every day but at least once or twice a week.
• Read to them in the evening.  It doesn't take much out of your evening and it's a good reason to get back early.
• Get involved in their bedtime routine.  Again, you might not be able to managed every day but at least when you can.
• Spend quality time with them - not there but half working or distracted because you feel you should be working but time when you're 100% focused on them.

It is possible if you make allowances and plan your time more effectively.  Get your work done in work time, so you're free to spend time with the family in the evenings and weekends.

Whether you're a hard working Dad or Mum, if you'd like to spend more time with your children but you're struggling to find the time - get in touch.

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Related articles

• Daddy Daycare, Channel 4, review (telegraph.co.uk)
• Woman's Hour - A Dad Is Born (Radio 4)
• Have You Lost Your Identity? (Blog post) 

Social Media Week - Feb 13-17, 2012

In case you missed it, this week is Social Media Week - at least for another couple of days.

There are hundreds of social media sites out there - more being added each week but the main contenders have to be Twitter, Facebook and for business users - LinkedIn.

Social media has really taken off in the last couple of years with everyone from Stephen Fry to Barack Obama being on Twitter these days and companies as well as individuals using Facebook to spread the word.

News tends to hit social media before it gets anywhere near a news desk as it's such an instant means of communication that can spread the message around the world like wildfire.

It's a great way of opening up the world and being able to communicate with people who you've either lost touch with or who you wouldn't normally meet.

Many people see it as an essential business tool - others see it as a complete waste of time and full of inane drivel.

It can be both - it very much depends on how and why you use it and of course who you follow or 'like'.

Be selective - you really don't need to be on every social media site to make it work for you.  Choose the one's you enjoy, that make sense for you and that work for what you want to achieve.  Besides the fact that there just aren't enough hours in the day to be on every one - they all have their pros and cons.

Set aside time for your social media - a few minutes every day on your main sites and a few minutes every week on your secondary sites.

If you want to join in the social media buzz there are events happening live offline and online all around the world.  http://socialmediaweek.org/

Image via Wikipedia

Related articles

• Can Twitter change the world? Day 3 of Social Media Week London (metrica.net)
• Social Media Week: 7 Events You Can Still Attend! (basekit.com)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Image via Wikipedia

For all of you who happen to be single on Valentine’s Day – it’s easy to get fed up with all the endless ads for gifts for your loved one, meals for two and related articles in all the newspapers, magazines and on TV.

Don’t bemoan the fact you have no-one special to share the delights of over-priced meals for two, candle lit dinners and bunches of red roses - celebrate being single.

Treat yourself – if not today then sometime this week or get together with a single friend and indulge yourselves and have some fun.

Don’t wait until you have someone to buy you gifts and treats – go out and buy a box of chocolates, a bunch of flowers or a treat for yourself.

Curl up with a good book, a glass or two of wine and your favourite film or go out (if you can bear all the loved-up couples, gazing into each other’s eyes) and treat yourself to a trip to the theatre or the cinema or a night out, if you can avoid the Valentine’s Day price hikes.

Yes, it's great to have someone to share life with but enjoy the freedom of being single – whether through choice or circumstances.  It’s not so bad.  You have your independence.

You can have the whole bed to yourself, you don’t have to put up with someone else’s stuff in the bathroom or cluttering up your space and you can see your friends whenever you want to and choose to do what you want, when you want without having to fit in with someone else’s plans or change yours in order to fit in with them and all the disagreements and compromise that then ensues.

You also get to know yourself a little better, without having to rely on having someone else around or jumping from one relationship to another.

Take time to love yourself.  After all – you’re the most important person.

Happy Valentine's day! (Photo credit: DonnaGrayson)

Networking Tips #18 Pay It Forward

Networking is a two-way process.  It's not just about what you can get from networking it's just as much about what you can give to your network.

Your network is a valuable resource of product and service providers.  You probably know people from a whole range of professions.  If someone requests an accountant or a book-keeper - why wouldn't you refer someone in your network?

After all, referring someone you already know and may have done business with yourself, is better than a random choice via the Yellow pages or Google.

The more you put in and the more you can refer other people, the more likely they are to refer you.  But don't do it just for that reason.

Many networking groups make referrals part of the way they run their groups.  Personally - I don't like this.  I prefer to be able to refer anyone I know and not just the one representative from my group who may not be the best or the most appropriate.

Mark Shaw (@MarkShaw) has a great idea - taking advantage of the power of Twitter by passing on requests for referrals to his followers using a specific hashtag #msrfr.  You may be able to help directly or someone following you may know someone who knows someone ...

When a client, customer or someone you meet out networking asks for, or is seeking help - take a look at your own network and see who you know who could help them out and give them the information they need.

Related articles

• Networking Tips #15 It's Not Who You Know (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Networking Tips #12 Give It Time (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Image credit: manostphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Networking Tips #11 When You're Feeling Reluctant ... Just Go

Image by ♥ Unlimited via Flickr
Sometimes you wonder if you should bother.

It's cold ... it's raining ... it's dark ... it's a long way to go ... whatever the reasons you might have for not attending a networking event ... just go.

You never know who you might meet.

Sometimes I've felt reluctant about going to a networking event - as well as the "There won't be anyone I know" or "Will it be worth going all the way there ...?"  Invariably these events prove to be the MOST successful.  You meet several people who are really interested in what you do or who become really good contact or you meet someone you wouldn't have expected.

Even if there are only a handful of people there - you can still meet the ONE person who could make a real difference to your business.

Go with an open attitude.

Look for the opportunities that are right in front of you.

Related articles

• Networking Tips #4 - Which Meeting? (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Networking Tips #10 Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone (clareevans.blogspot.com)

M.A.D. Give Yourself A Little Love

Image via WikipediaHappy Valentines Day.

It's that time of year when sentimental cards, red roses and boxes of chocolates abound.  A romantic dinner for two has trebled in price and you can't move for couples expressing their undying love.

Whether you're in a relationship or whether you're on your own - take time out to look after yourself ... whatever the time of year.

Do something today to treat yourself - nurture your mind, body and soul even if no one else does.

• Indulge in your favourite cake with a cup of tea this afternoon.
• Go out for a walk and enjoy the Spring sunshine.
• Relax with a scented bath, candles and a glass of wine.
• Switch off the phone and curl up with your favourite book or DVD.
• Book up a massage or a favourite treat.

Even if you feel that this particular day is just another excuse for blatant commercialism and overpriced gifts, there's no reason not to give yourself a little love and indulgence.

The simple pleasures in life can make a big difference.

Related articles

• Top Ten Things Not To Do On Valentine's Day (searchenginewatch.com)
• Top 10 no-cost Valentine's Day gifts (guardian.co.uk)

Networking Tips #3 - Follow-up

How many people do you tend to meet at a networking event?  How many of them do you ever hear from again?

Networking is a regular part of my marketing strategy and I often go to events with 20-30-50 or more people.  From any given event, I'm lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it), if I hear from any of them after the event.

Meeting someone for the first time at a business networking event is only the first step.

Following up should be the second step and is one that many people miss.  If you don't follow-up after your networking events then you're missing out on 90% of the benefit and results you'll achieve from networking.

A brief email or phone call after the meeting is a polite way of continuing the discussion.  I use mine to offer my free Time Audit which helps people to understand more about what I do or I'll pass on information or resources that we discussed or contact details for someone that is useful to their business.

Stay in touch after the event but don't spam people.  Not everyone appreciates being automatically added to your mailing list and sent information they didn't want.

Of course if you regularly go to the same group - you're more likely to meet the same people and you can develop the relationship more each time.

Remember - people rarely buy on the first contact, so that's why it's important to follow-up, start to build a relationship and maintain contact so you can learn how you can help them.

Related articles

• Don't Make This Networking Mistake (entrepreneur.com)
• 10 Opening Lines to Make Your Next Networking Event Profitable (bettercloser.com)

Five Big Questions

Another inspirational movie from Box of Crayons

M.A.D. Your Family & Friends

This is the sixth in my series of M.A.D. Moments based on different areas of your life, to inspire you or give you that boost at the start of the year.

What do your Family and Friends mean to you?

• How often do you see your parents?
• Do you have a circle of close friends?
• How often do you see members of your family?
• Do you have a good relationship with your children?
• Do you have a best friend who you see/speak to often?

This week is about focusing on the important people in our lives. When we're busy thinking about balancing our life and fitting everything in, we can often neglect those close to us because they're always there. I'm not saying we ignore them but maybe we don't always give them the attention we'd like to.

Maybe our closest friends have moved away, we don't see members of our family as often. “Oh, I'll call X next week...or meet X for lunch” and then next week becomes next month and then next year ....

Friendships have to be nurtured in order to survive. We all have friends that maybe we don’t see so often but with whom we can reconnect at any time and it’s as if we’ve never been apart.

Now it’s even easier to keep in touch with friends further afield.  Re-connect on Facebook.  Use Skype and MSN to stay in regular touch with friends you might not speak to otherwise.

Friends come and go during the course of lives. There will be friends that we’ve known since childhood and friends that we’ve know at different stages of our life and still keep with us. Make a point of having people around you who respect and support you.

Action:

What difference could you make to your Family & Friends this week?

• Who in your family haven't you spoken to in a while? Not just on a "Hi, how are you, OK fine..." type way but really genuinely wanted to know how they are.
• Make a point of phoning up someone you've been meaning to talk to but haven't quite got round to, or write that letter or email you've been meaning to send. Set aside time this week to spend with the important people in your life. Not just the time you would normally spend together, at the beginning or end of the day or helping the children with their schoolwork but something different.
• Re-evaluate your relationships with your friends. Do you have friends who don’t serve you or who always seem to want something from you? If your friends are worth knowing then make the effort to spend time or talk to them.

Enjoy time spent with your family and friends this week.