Do you exceed?

Colleagues,

A couple weeks ago we looked at helping others develop a growth mindset. My mentor and cherished friend Dr. Jacque Jacobs shared this quote with me:  "The ability to learn is the most inspiring quality a leader can have." -Sheryl Sandberg 
 
Also from Dr. Jacobs: 
Setting up evaluation systems based on rating scales suggests one has "arrived" when you are rated "5" or "excellent" or "Exceeds" - when in reality you might be the "top dog" in a pretty weak pool. Evaluation systems should be established on a growth model as we can all learn and grow. 
 
So, what can we do?

• Change the language around evaluation. If we can’t change the official terminology, we might still be able to change our language and how we speak about the process.
• As leaders, we can set an example. We can be transparent about our goals for our own development and enlist the help of others.
• We can give very specific feedback. Specific feedback, even if it is only positive, helps people become more thoughtful and intentional. Making connections between actions and outcomes creates more opportunity to talk about the idea that to improve outcomes we need to improve behaviors.

 
Reflect:

• Do you have a growth mindset?
• What does that even mean?
• If you were to get better in one small way next week, what would that be?

 
Cheers!
 
Frederick