The Nielson Group

Happy new year! 2020 is of course a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. Change is the path to a better place and time. But change doesn't happen like a new year happens.

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” ― Carl Bard

"The beginning is the most important part of the work." – Plato

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” –Louis L’Amour

“Whatever you do or dream you can do – begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it”. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Are you derailing your own career?

THE BEST RESPONSE TO NEGATIVE FEEDBACK IS A SIMPLE ONE Many of us get defensive in response to negative feedback. We play the victim, sink into denial, or blame our circumstances — but these behaviors let our egos get in the way of important learning.

Don’t Ignore the Feedback in Nonverbal Cues

In an ideal world, your colleagues would give you direct, honest feedback. But if they’re not forthcoming, often you can find out what someone really thinks by watching their nonverbal cues. Learn to read facial expressions and body language to understand how your words and actions are being received. When people look down or avoid eye contact with you, when a typically engaging colleague is quiet, or when an even-keeled coworker gets defensive, pay attention and graciously point out your observation. You might say, “Tell me how I should interpret your silence,” or “I’m concerned that something I’ve said isn’t sitting well with you. Is that true?” These polite statements and questions invite others to be more open about how they’re reacting to you, which can help you make crucial adjustments to your behavior and deepen trust between you and your colleagues.
Adapted from “4 Ways to Get Honest, Critical Feedback from Your Employees,” by Ron Carucci