The most successful people and companies have two things in common:
1. They ask for feedback
2. They use it to make a change
For our whole office, this week has been about embracing this ideology and finding new ways to create change and challenge ourselves after attending the S.P.R.I.N.T conference held by Greg and Chris Savage. Among other advice, Chris Savage shared his valuable insights about change and feedback as the food of champions.
To achieve professional and personal growth, we can’t sit back and watch the world around us be molded by someone else. We owe it to ourselves to be a part of that change, and stay on the forefront of what is innovative.
Take Netflix:
Netflix began as a DVD-by-mail rental service. It was only after listening to feedback from their customers and re-evaluating their core strengths that they introduced subscription streaming services online and became the media giant they are today. Through embracing feedback and using it to push for change, they revolutionized the way we watch movies and TV. In comparison, Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy and closed the majority of their stores after the market changed, leaving them behind.
Just as no company is exempt from the winds of change, neither are our careers.
Change and feedback have this symbiotic relationship. We need the insights from feedback to create effective change, and in turn, we owe it to ourselves to create the kind of change that ensures gathering the feedback was worthwhile.
A talking point at the conference was that talking about change isn’t enough – we need to assess ourselves and listen to feedback if we are to grow and challenge our own expectations. Chris challenged us to try out this two-minute exercise:
Rate the following statements out of 10. Where do you fall on the spectrum?
1. I make a valuable contribution and difference in my job.
2. I continue to learn and grow in my job.
3. It is fun.
4. It is good for my life and my family.
5. The rewards are fair.
The maximum score is 50, with a good score sitting at about 35.
This self-assessment is an opportunity to be honest about whether you are satisfied in your career and highlight the areas you can improve.
In the next 120 days what progress can you make to increase your rating above what you have now?
– Kristine Berry, Director