By Terri Simon, SVP, Talent + Org. Development

The speed of change in today’s knowledge-based world requires us to be adapters capable of near-instantaneous transformation. The pace at which we pivot depends on our willingness to be real and embrace the F-word. That magical F-word is Feedback.  Feedback is powerful and keeps us poised for transformation, reduces hand-off points, increases productivity and enhances ideas. I can promise that if you master the ability to give feedback in a way that describes reality without blame or shame it will radically change the way you live, work and play. 
 
The critical point of impact with the F-word is real time. What I mean by real time is as close to right now as possible.  Here’s why. We can only be our best selves if we are willing to give and receive honest feedback in the now. This kind of feedback allows us to interrogate reality in the moment and create an enhanced current state. It gives us the choice to learn, change, enhance, adapt, be accountable and transform today.  If we build our capacity to give/receive immediate feedback, we are consistently positioned for change and able to pivot at an accelerated rate.  This helps position us to build a community of fast-paced iteration that enables us to trigger intentional transformation, build high- performing teams, groups and communities and eventually a world of adapters, fear facers and catalysts.
 
Imagine this, a world where instead of complaining, being frustrated, angry or annoyed, we ask for what we need in that moment!
 
For example, to the coworker who is fielding texts in the meeting: “Hey could you put your phone down? I don’t feel heard.”
 
It’s that simple.
 
Likewise, when you field a question and receive a response five minutes later, feel free to say, “Thanks for the quick response. It helped me move things forward.”
 
Or, instead of holding ideas as sacred and perfect, we invite input from others: “I have an idea on [fill in genius though not perfect idea here]. Any thoughts on how to make it better?”
 
I aim to build a world of fear-facing change agents who are ready to redirect and adapt to real-time needs. Be bold with your truth and use the F-word.  Help create a movement—a movement where individuals merge change with action and take things from good to “hell yea!” 
 
 
Consider This
 
·      Be real and do no harm because truth and compassion are equally important. 
·      Speak with the intent to provoke learning that leads to awesomeness.  
·      Address tough issues, keep it real and have difficult conversations – even if your voice shakes. 
·      Focus on building trust rather than being liked.  Trust is built on telling the truth, not telling people what they want to hear.
·      Have impact – ask for and add insight rather than just more words.
·      Be relevant not historical or hysterical.  Talk about what happened today, not ten years ago, absent of unnecessary volume and drama.
·      Don’t beat a dead horse.  Be precise and concise. 
 
The Secret Sauce
SBI (situation, behavior, impact) + Ask = real-time feedback
 
Real-time feedback.  Commit.  It will change our world. I publish my philosophies on twitter –follow me @terrigsimon.