SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 56
Founder Communication
InnerSpace
Joe Greenstein & Semira Rahemtulla
July 23, 2015
Who are we?
Most recently…
• Co-founder/CEO of Flixster
(Acq by WB, 2011)
Previously…
• VP Product @ Edusoft
(Acq by Houghton-Mifflin)
• Co-founder @ CoreMetrics
(Acq by IBM)
• Co-founder @ QApro
(Failed completely)
Joe Greenstein
Cofounder of InnerSpace
Most recently…
• Co-founder/CEO of PlayTell
(Raised seed round then failed)
Previously…
• Director, Product Mgmt @ Guidewire
(IPO 2010, $2.5B+ market cap)
• UX Designer @ Vividence
(Acq by Keynote)
• Harvard Ed.M; Stanford Computer
Science
Semira Rahemtulla
Cofounder of InnerSpace
Who are you?
First Exercise
Topics for Today
• What makes an effective leader?
• What makes an effective team?
Format: Learn together, not talk at you
Why am I doing this? (Part 1)
Why am I doing this? (Part 2)
With special thanks to…
We will…
– Give you our best
– Take breaks
– End on time
What else would be helpful for you?
Working AgreementsWorking Agreements
We ask you to…
Respect
confidentiality
Photo by Vox Efx [link]
Working Agreements
We ask you to…
Challenge yourself
Photo by Daniel Oines [link]
Working Agreements
We ask you to…
Minimize
distractions
Photo by Robert S. Donovan [link]
Working Agreements
Photo by Luz Adriana Villa [link]
We ask you to…
Wait for breaks &
Return on time
Working Agreements
We ask you to…
– Challenge yourself
– Respect confidentiality
– Minimize distractions
– Wait for breaks & return on time
Can we all commit to this?
Working AgreementsWorking Agreements
Photo by Theresa Thompson [link]
Disclosure & Vulnerability 40 mins
Team & Culture 30 mins
Break 10 mins
Feedback & Influence, part 1 50 mins
Break 10 mins
Feedback & Influence, part 2 50 mins
Closing 15 mins
TOTAL 4 hrs
Agenda
One Big Idea
INTENT
Needs
Motives
Stories
Reality #1
BEHAVIOR
Verbal
Non-Verbal
Reality #2
Common
IMPACT
Assumptions
Feelings
Responses
Reality #3
The Net
3 Realities (The “Net” Model)
Feelings & Emotions – Why??
Everyone feels them;
we just pretend we
don’t.
Convey crucial
information; absence
of emotion leaves
out half the story.
Emotions indicate
importance. Most
powerful motivator?
They are
an early warning
system
Feelings & Emotions – Why??
Exercise #2: Introduce Yourselves
• Find a partner you DON’T KNOW
• 2 min to introduce yourself. Then switch.
How was that?
• What did you notice?
• How did it feel hearing the first intro?
• How did it feel describing yourself differently?
Self-Disclosure
Will I be less
liked,
respected,
influential
(leader-like)?
Is it relevant?
Will it further the
discussion – the
relationship?
Will others
use this
information
against me?
How will
others
see/assess/
judge me?
“What in
my ‘bubble’
should I
share?”
We are constantly
making the choice of
letting our self be
more fully known
Self-Disclosure
Vulnerability
“I define vulnerability as
the expression of
uncertainty, risk, and
emotional exposure.”
Vulnerability
Authentic Leaders
“The single factor distinguishing top quartile
managers from bottom quartile managers was
strength of affection – both given & received –
with their team.”
--“Encouraging the Heart: A Leader’s Guide to Recognizing and Rewarding Others”, Kouzes & Barry
Authentic Leaders
Authentic Leaders
You prefer to look strong rather than “weak.”
Problem: Everyone knows that.
Result: Willingness to show (some)
“weakness” is perceived as sign of strength.
Paradox of Trust?
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / Vulnerability
• Build connection, trust
• Repair distortions
• Avoid “progressive impoverishment”
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / Vulnerability
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / Vulnerability
1. Disclosure & vulnerability are critical to
connection.
2. Effective leaders form strong connections.
Conclusion: Consider being more open.
The Bottom Line
Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link]
Team & Culture
Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link]
Effective Teams
1. Participation
2. Collaboration
3. Cooperation (Commitment)
Research: All of these are correlated to
Group EQ
“Building Emotional Intelligence”, Wolfe & Druskat, Harvard Business Review, 2004
Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link]
Inward
(my emotions)
Outward
(others’ emotions)
Emotional
Awareness
Emotional
Management
(“Regulation”)
EQ (Individual)
Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link]
Inward
(Our Team)
Outward
(Other Teams)
Emotional
Awareness
EQ (Group)
Emotional
Management
(“Regulation”)
High EQ individuals ≠ High EQ group
Group norms
determine group EQ
Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link]
Group EQ
Exercise #3
Photo by jm3 [link]
Our Norms
What norms do we have?
What norms do we need?
What can you do as leaders?
Photo by jm3 [link]
Our Norms
Feedback & Influence
Working AgreementsJohari Window
OPEN/
PUBLIC
PRIVATE UNKNOWN
I know I don’t know
You
know
You
don’t
know
Reactions/Feedback
D
i
s
c
l
o
s
u
r
e
BLIND
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityWhy is Feedback Important?
1. Personal Development
2. Team Effectiveness
3. Stronger Relationships
Bottom Line: Feedback is how we grow
Photo:RobbieGrubbs
Can I give you some feedback?
Photo by State Farm [link]
Social situations ≈ Physical threats
Threat Response
Photo by Andrew Vargas [link]
David Rock
What social
situations trigger
a threat response?
Status
Certainty
Autonomy
Relatedness
Fairness
SCARF Model
So… how do we communicate feedback
while minimizing defensiveness?
INTENT
Needs
Motives
Stories
Reality #1
BEHAVIOR
Verbal
Non-Verbal
Reality #2
Common
IMPACT
Feelings
Reactions
Responses
Reality #3
The Net
The Net (again)
Feedback
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityHow to Give Effective Feedback
1. Focus on specific, observable behavior
2. Describe the impact of that behavior on you
3. Do not address the other person’s motives or
intentions
(Do ask about them & listen actively if they choose to
share.)
Stay on your side of the net!
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityThe Simplest Feedback Model
When you do [x], I feel [y].
(and optionally)
The story in my head is… (z)
Can you tell me what’s going on for you?
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityLet’s try some examples…
1. Semira, you clearly don’t care about this presentation.
2. Semira, I noticed that you are looking at your phone. You
are clearly bored with this presentation.
3. Semira, I noticed that you are looking at your phone. I am
feeling anxious about what message that might send to
others in the room.
Exercise #4: A Difficult Other
Think of someone in your life whom you want to influence/give
constructive feedback
• Have issue; some concern about how to raise
• Not most impossible; but challenging
• Want something from/more functional relationship; have more influence
e.g. peer, colleague, boss, friend, SO, family member
Reflect:
• Behaviors/Actions you find problematic
• Effect/impact of those behaviors on you
• Cost?
• Your needs? Their needs?
Exercise #4: A Difficult Other
Find a NEW partner
• Decide who is Person A and Person B
• Person A describes their difficult other to B
• A will then act as Difficult Other
• B will act as A, giving feedback to difficult other
• Switch & Repeat
How was that?
• What worked to influence you? What didn’t?
• Did you learn anything by playing the role of
Difficult Other?
• Are you going to give it a try for real?
Photo by Ana Karenina [link]
1:1 Feedback
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityTips for Receiving Feedback
• Look for “Grains of Truth”
– Learning is better than being right
– Goal is understanding, not winning
• Listen and ask clarifying questions
• Acknowledge your feelings
• Gift mentality
– Say “Thank you!”
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityTips for Complimentary Feedback
• Give more!!!
• Do not praise to buffer criticism
– Avoid “The Sandwich”
• Do not praise to overcome resistance
• Avoid platitudes. Be specific:
– Weak: “Joe, you’re killing it.”
– Strong: “Joe, I’ve noticed you’ve been on time to almost
every meeting this week. I feel grateful for the extra effort.”
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityTips for Constructive Feedback
• Assume good intent; be curious
• Use a soft start
– Emphasize mutual goals & positive intent:
My intention is… / This matters to me because…
When you do [x], I feel [y].
• Be aware of your own stress
• Goal is joint problem solving
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityLast Reminder
Stay on your side of the net
When you do [x], I feel [y].
Use the Vocabulary of Emotions.
Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilitySuggested Topics For Feedback
Work Product
– Timeliness, quality, quantity,
focus area
Communication & Management
– Too much/little
– Choice of format
– Email etiquette
– Language choices,
communication style with others
– Transparency of project status,
hiring/firing/promotions
Role Modeling & Presence
– What energy do you feel from
this person?
– How do they impact others?
– What do they model well?
– Anything you worry about?
– Arrival/departure times
– How they speak/listen/act/dress
Photo by Daniel Oines [link]
Challenge Yourself
Thanks, good-bye, and stay on
your side of the net 

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Giving and Receiving Feedback
Giving and Receiving FeedbackGiving and Receiving Feedback
Giving and Receiving Feedback
 
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS
 Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS
 
Giving and Receiving Feedback: A New Imperative
Giving and Receiving Feedback: A New ImperativeGiving and Receiving Feedback: A New Imperative
Giving and Receiving Feedback: A New Imperative
 
InnerSpace / Stripe Communication Workshop
InnerSpace / Stripe Communication WorkshopInnerSpace / Stripe Communication Workshop
InnerSpace / Stripe Communication Workshop
 
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGSEd Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 1: BEGINNINGS
 
CAJ 022-Jay Packlick-Overcoming Immunity to Change
CAJ 022-Jay Packlick-Overcoming Immunity to ChangeCAJ 022-Jay Packlick-Overcoming Immunity to Change
CAJ 022-Jay Packlick-Overcoming Immunity to Change
 
Founder Leadership Workshop Feb 2016
Founder Leadership Workshop Feb 2016Founder Leadership Workshop Feb 2016
Founder Leadership Workshop Feb 2016
 
Arcelor mittal
Arcelor mittalArcelor mittal
Arcelor mittal
 
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 8: SUCCESS
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 8: SUCCESSEd Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 8: SUCCESS
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordGSB, Class 8: SUCCESS
 
Effective Feedback at Work
Effective Feedback at WorkEffective Feedback at Work
Effective Feedback at Work
 
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordBiz, Class 6: Vulnerability
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordBiz, Class 6: VulnerabilityEd Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordBiz, Class 6: Vulnerability
Ed Batista, The Art of Self-Coaching @StanfordBiz, Class 6: Vulnerability
 
Feedback Workshop
Feedback WorkshopFeedback Workshop
Feedback Workshop
 
Giving and receiving feedback - the methodology
Giving and receiving feedback - the methodologyGiving and receiving feedback - the methodology
Giving and receiving feedback - the methodology
 
How to Really Listen & Ask Powerful Questions - Professional Coaching Dojo
How to Really Listen & Ask Powerful Questions - Professional Coaching DojoHow to Really Listen & Ask Powerful Questions - Professional Coaching Dojo
How to Really Listen & Ask Powerful Questions - Professional Coaching Dojo
 
Social psychology last presentation.pptm
Social psychology last presentation.pptmSocial psychology last presentation.pptm
Social psychology last presentation.pptm
 
Effective feedback
Effective feedbackEffective feedback
Effective feedback
 
Feedback and Coaching with the @StanfordBiz ECG, March 2016
Feedback and Coaching with the @StanfordBiz ECG, March 2016Feedback and Coaching with the @StanfordBiz ECG, March 2016
Feedback and Coaching with the @StanfordBiz ECG, March 2016
 
Inspirational feedback
Inspirational feedbackInspirational feedback
Inspirational feedback
 
Founder Leadership Workshop for Investors
Founder Leadership Workshop for InvestorsFounder Leadership Workshop for Investors
Founder Leadership Workshop for Investors
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 

Similar to Founder leadershipworkshop july2015

Similar to Founder leadershipworkshop july2015 (20)

Founder Communication June 2015
Founder Communication June 2015Founder Communication June 2015
Founder Communication June 2015
 
Founder Communication Workshop - 05/21/15
Founder Communication Workshop - 05/21/15Founder Communication Workshop - 05/21/15
Founder Communication Workshop - 05/21/15
 
Founder Leadership Workshop Aug 2015
Founder Leadership Workshop Aug 2015Founder Leadership Workshop Aug 2015
Founder Leadership Workshop Aug 2015
 
Founder Communication Workshop - 04/23/15
Founder Communication Workshop - 04/23/15Founder Communication Workshop - 04/23/15
Founder Communication Workshop - 04/23/15
 
Founder Communication Workshop 07/02/215
Founder Communication Workshop 07/02/215Founder Communication Workshop 07/02/215
Founder Communication Workshop 07/02/215
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder Communication Workshop March 2016
Founder Communication Workshop March 2016 Founder Communication Workshop March 2016
Founder Communication Workshop March 2016
 
Netflix Communication Workshop Nov 2015
Netflix Communication Workshop Nov 2015Netflix Communication Workshop Nov 2015
Netflix Communication Workshop Nov 2015
 
Founder Leadership & Communication Workshop - 01/22/15
Founder Leadership & Communication Workshop - 01/22/15Founder Leadership & Communication Workshop - 01/22/15
Founder Leadership & Communication Workshop - 01/22/15
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
InnerSpace / RideCell Communication Workshop
InnerSpace / RideCell Communication Workshop InnerSpace / RideCell Communication Workshop
InnerSpace / RideCell Communication Workshop
 
Communication workshop circlemedical_contentonly_jan2016
Communication workshop circlemedical_contentonly_jan2016Communication workshop circlemedical_contentonly_jan2016
Communication workshop circlemedical_contentonly_jan2016
 
Founder Leadership Workshop 07-16-15
Founder Leadership Workshop 07-16-15Founder Leadership Workshop 07-16-15
Founder Leadership Workshop 07-16-15
 
Communication Workshop
Communication WorkshopCommunication Workshop
Communication Workshop
 
Founder Communication Workshop
Founder Communication WorkshopFounder Communication Workshop
Founder Communication Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop July 30th, 2015
Founder Leadership Workshop July 30th, 2015Founder Leadership Workshop July 30th, 2015
Founder Leadership Workshop July 30th, 2015
 
Tilt Communication Workshop
Tilt Communication WorkshopTilt Communication Workshop
Tilt Communication Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder leadershipworkshop july2015_content only
Founder leadershipworkshop july2015_content onlyFounder leadershipworkshop july2015_content only
Founder leadershipworkshop july2015_content only
 

More from Hannah Knapp

More from Hannah Knapp (20)

Bloomberg Beta Founder Communication Workshop June 19, 2018
Bloomberg Beta Founder Communication Workshop June 19, 2018Bloomberg Beta Founder Communication Workshop June 19, 2018
Bloomberg Beta Founder Communication Workshop June 19, 2018
 
YC Founder Communication Workshop July 23, 2018
YC Founder Communication Workshop July 23, 2018YC Founder Communication Workshop July 23, 2018
YC Founder Communication Workshop July 23, 2018
 
Founder Communication Workshop May 18, 2018
Founder Communication Workshop May 18, 2018Founder Communication Workshop May 18, 2018
Founder Communication Workshop May 18, 2018
 
Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 21 2018
Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 21 2018Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 21 2018
Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 21 2018
 
Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 2018
Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 2018Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 2018
Founder Communication Workshop YC Feb 2018
 
Founder leadershipworkshop feb2018_contentonly
Founder leadershipworkshop feb2018_contentonlyFounder leadershipworkshop feb2018_contentonly
Founder leadershipworkshop feb2018_contentonly
 
Founder Leadership Workshop (First Round Capital)
Founder Leadership Workshop (First Round Capital)Founder Leadership Workshop (First Round Capital)
Founder Leadership Workshop (First Round Capital)
 
Founder Communication Workshop
Founder Communication WorkshopFounder Communication Workshop
Founder Communication Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Design Thinking for Your Team
Design Thinking for Your TeamDesign Thinking for Your Team
Design Thinking for Your Team
 
Communication Workshop
Communication WorkshopCommunication Workshop
Communication Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
Listening workshop
Listening workshopListening workshop
Listening workshop
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 
How Great Leaders Listen
How Great Leaders ListenHow Great Leaders Listen
How Great Leaders Listen
 
Founder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership WorkshopFounder Leadership Workshop
Founder Leadership Workshop
 

Founder leadershipworkshop july2015

  • 1. Founder Communication InnerSpace Joe Greenstein & Semira Rahemtulla July 23, 2015
  • 2. Who are we? Most recently… • Co-founder/CEO of Flixster (Acq by WB, 2011) Previously… • VP Product @ Edusoft (Acq by Houghton-Mifflin) • Co-founder @ CoreMetrics (Acq by IBM) • Co-founder @ QApro (Failed completely) Joe Greenstein Cofounder of InnerSpace Most recently… • Co-founder/CEO of PlayTell (Raised seed round then failed) Previously… • Director, Product Mgmt @ Guidewire (IPO 2010, $2.5B+ market cap) • UX Designer @ Vividence (Acq by Keynote) • Harvard Ed.M; Stanford Computer Science Semira Rahemtulla Cofounder of InnerSpace
  • 5. Topics for Today • What makes an effective leader? • What makes an effective team? Format: Learn together, not talk at you
  • 6. Why am I doing this? (Part 1)
  • 7. Why am I doing this? (Part 2)
  • 9. We will… – Give you our best – Take breaks – End on time What else would be helpful for you? Working AgreementsWorking Agreements
  • 10. We ask you to… Respect confidentiality Photo by Vox Efx [link] Working Agreements
  • 11. We ask you to… Challenge yourself Photo by Daniel Oines [link] Working Agreements
  • 12. We ask you to… Minimize distractions Photo by Robert S. Donovan [link] Working Agreements
  • 13. Photo by Luz Adriana Villa [link] We ask you to… Wait for breaks & Return on time Working Agreements
  • 14. We ask you to… – Challenge yourself – Respect confidentiality – Minimize distractions – Wait for breaks & return on time Can we all commit to this? Working AgreementsWorking Agreements
  • 15. Photo by Theresa Thompson [link] Disclosure & Vulnerability 40 mins Team & Culture 30 mins Break 10 mins Feedback & Influence, part 1 50 mins Break 10 mins Feedback & Influence, part 2 50 mins Closing 15 mins TOTAL 4 hrs Agenda
  • 18. Feelings & Emotions – Why?? Everyone feels them; we just pretend we don’t. Convey crucial information; absence of emotion leaves out half the story. Emotions indicate importance. Most powerful motivator? They are an early warning system Feelings & Emotions – Why??
  • 19. Exercise #2: Introduce Yourselves • Find a partner you DON’T KNOW • 2 min to introduce yourself. Then switch.
  • 20. How was that? • What did you notice? • How did it feel hearing the first intro? • How did it feel describing yourself differently?
  • 21. Self-Disclosure Will I be less liked, respected, influential (leader-like)? Is it relevant? Will it further the discussion – the relationship? Will others use this information against me? How will others see/assess/ judge me? “What in my ‘bubble’ should I share?” We are constantly making the choice of letting our self be more fully known Self-Disclosure
  • 22. Vulnerability “I define vulnerability as the expression of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” Vulnerability
  • 23. Authentic Leaders “The single factor distinguishing top quartile managers from bottom quartile managers was strength of affection – both given & received – with their team.” --“Encouraging the Heart: A Leader’s Guide to Recognizing and Rewarding Others”, Kouzes & Barry Authentic Leaders
  • 24. Authentic Leaders You prefer to look strong rather than “weak.” Problem: Everyone knows that. Result: Willingness to show (some) “weakness” is perceived as sign of strength. Paradox of Trust?
  • 25. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / Vulnerability • Build connection, trust • Repair distortions • Avoid “progressive impoverishment” Benefits of Self-Disclosure / Vulnerability
  • 26. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / Vulnerability 1. Disclosure & vulnerability are critical to connection. 2. Effective leaders form strong connections. Conclusion: Consider being more open. The Bottom Line
  • 27. Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link] Team & Culture
  • 28. Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link] Effective Teams 1. Participation 2. Collaboration 3. Cooperation (Commitment) Research: All of these are correlated to Group EQ “Building Emotional Intelligence”, Wolfe & Druskat, Harvard Business Review, 2004
  • 29. Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link] Inward (my emotions) Outward (others’ emotions) Emotional Awareness Emotional Management (“Regulation”) EQ (Individual)
  • 30. Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link] Inward (Our Team) Outward (Other Teams) Emotional Awareness EQ (Group) Emotional Management (“Regulation”)
  • 31. High EQ individuals ≠ High EQ group Group norms determine group EQ Photo by Woodleywonderworks [link] Group EQ
  • 33. Photo by jm3 [link] Our Norms
  • 34. What norms do we have? What norms do we need? What can you do as leaders? Photo by jm3 [link] Our Norms
  • 36. Working AgreementsJohari Window OPEN/ PUBLIC PRIVATE UNKNOWN I know I don’t know You know You don’t know Reactions/Feedback D i s c l o s u r e BLIND
  • 37. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityWhy is Feedback Important? 1. Personal Development 2. Team Effectiveness 3. Stronger Relationships Bottom Line: Feedback is how we grow
  • 38. Photo:RobbieGrubbs Can I give you some feedback?
  • 39. Photo by State Farm [link] Social situations ≈ Physical threats Threat Response
  • 40. Photo by Andrew Vargas [link] David Rock What social situations trigger a threat response? Status Certainty Autonomy Relatedness Fairness SCARF Model
  • 41. So… how do we communicate feedback while minimizing defensiveness?
  • 43. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityHow to Give Effective Feedback 1. Focus on specific, observable behavior 2. Describe the impact of that behavior on you 3. Do not address the other person’s motives or intentions (Do ask about them & listen actively if they choose to share.) Stay on your side of the net!
  • 44. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityThe Simplest Feedback Model When you do [x], I feel [y]. (and optionally) The story in my head is… (z) Can you tell me what’s going on for you?
  • 45. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityLet’s try some examples… 1. Semira, you clearly don’t care about this presentation. 2. Semira, I noticed that you are looking at your phone. You are clearly bored with this presentation. 3. Semira, I noticed that you are looking at your phone. I am feeling anxious about what message that might send to others in the room.
  • 46. Exercise #4: A Difficult Other Think of someone in your life whom you want to influence/give constructive feedback • Have issue; some concern about how to raise • Not most impossible; but challenging • Want something from/more functional relationship; have more influence e.g. peer, colleague, boss, friend, SO, family member Reflect: • Behaviors/Actions you find problematic • Effect/impact of those behaviors on you • Cost? • Your needs? Their needs?
  • 47. Exercise #4: A Difficult Other Find a NEW partner • Decide who is Person A and Person B • Person A describes their difficult other to B • A will then act as Difficult Other • B will act as A, giving feedback to difficult other • Switch & Repeat
  • 48. How was that? • What worked to influence you? What didn’t? • Did you learn anything by playing the role of Difficult Other? • Are you going to give it a try for real?
  • 49. Photo by Ana Karenina [link] 1:1 Feedback
  • 50. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityTips for Receiving Feedback • Look for “Grains of Truth” – Learning is better than being right – Goal is understanding, not winning • Listen and ask clarifying questions • Acknowledge your feelings • Gift mentality – Say “Thank you!”
  • 51. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityTips for Complimentary Feedback • Give more!!! • Do not praise to buffer criticism – Avoid “The Sandwich” • Do not praise to overcome resistance • Avoid platitudes. Be specific: – Weak: “Joe, you’re killing it.” – Strong: “Joe, I’ve noticed you’ve been on time to almost every meeting this week. I feel grateful for the extra effort.”
  • 52. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityTips for Constructive Feedback • Assume good intent; be curious • Use a soft start – Emphasize mutual goals & positive intent: My intention is… / This matters to me because… When you do [x], I feel [y]. • Be aware of your own stress • Goal is joint problem solving
  • 53. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilityLast Reminder Stay on your side of the net When you do [x], I feel [y]. Use the Vocabulary of Emotions.
  • 54. Benefits of Self-Disclosure / VulnerabilitySuggested Topics For Feedback Work Product – Timeliness, quality, quantity, focus area Communication & Management – Too much/little – Choice of format – Email etiquette – Language choices, communication style with others – Transparency of project status, hiring/firing/promotions Role Modeling & Presence – What energy do you feel from this person? – How do they impact others? – What do they model well? – Anything you worry about? – Arrival/departure times – How they speak/listen/act/dress
  • 55. Photo by Daniel Oines [link] Challenge Yourself
  • 56. Thanks, good-bye, and stay on your side of the net 