Rethinking Yourself
September 26, 2005
Performance reviews can be difficult. Its human nature to defend yourself. Admitting you have room to improve is, for some, like admitting you’ve done something wrong in the past. Obviously, there’s a lot to be gained from the review process if you’re willing to open yourself up to the feedback. Everyone at SuccessFactors recently participated in our 360 review process and so we’re thinking about this stuff, just like our customers are. From our own Mark Bissell (Director of Professional Services) comes a tip for a good book on the topic:
I just finished a book called Leadership and Self-Deception written by the Arbinger Institute. It was a fast/good read that you may want to read prior to conducting 360 feedback sessions or having your own. What it did for me is prompted me to rethink how I think about myself and whether those self-images are accurate or convenient frameworks which may preclude me from growth. The 100 minute investment in reading this book has already helped me in accepting feedback and thinking differently at home and at work and I feel it has me better prepared for delivering and recieving 360 feedback.
The book is written in a parable format so it flows quickly (similar to an Og Mandino book if you know him). In the wrap up he makes a few points that sounded like our own CEO’s message at the employee survey meeting:
1. Don’t try to be perfect. Do try to be better.
2. Don’t focus on what others are doing wrong. Do focus on what you can do right to help.
3. Don’t worry about whether others are helping you. Do worry whether you are helping others.
Thanks to Mark for the tip - and for letting me use it on the blog.
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