How Often Are You Looking for Feedback?
My horses get schooled at least 3 days a week by someone else. It’s not because I do a bad job of riding them. Part of it is my schedule and the fact that I live in Boston. But a big part of it is that I am ALWAYS looking for feedback. I lesson a ton so I am always working on myself. And especially for my young horses, it is SO important to me that I am getting regular feedback from someone else about their progress.
The other day, I had one of our trainers hop on Donny - she hadn’t ridden him in a while and we were joking around about what “grade” I was going to get. It was all in fun, but someone else made a comment alluding to the fact that I was kind of torturing myself by having her ride him and getting her perspective. And if you know me, you know that I believe feedback is a gift. This interaction got me thinking about how afraid we can be about soliciting feedback. We usually wait until we know we’re going to get a good grade. But that can really interfere with the process. I want to know if things are going badly as quickly as possible. I want to intervene quickly, identify challenges and come up with solutions as early in the process. Which means I need to be getting feedback often - even if its hard to hear. I sincerely appreciated her perspective and we were able to have a SUPER productive conversation around how I can change my rides to better suit Donny and what he needs to work on. And I KNOW that the next time she hops on him, she will notice the difference.
And I wouldn’t be me without bringing this all back to a lesson in business.
In the whirlwind of managing a business, it's easy to become entrenched in day-to-day operations, overlooking the pivotal element that often drives substantial growth: feedback. Seeking out perspectives beyond our own is not just a valuable asset; it's an essential strategy for success. When was the last time you actively sought feedback for your business?
The Fresh Perspective:
Riding is such a perfect example for this. When we’re working with our horses, it’s easy to fall into habits that ultimately aren’t helpful for our goals. It's the reason we hire professionals and why regular lessons are so important. Similarly, in business, we can get so immersed in our strategies and methodologies that we miss pivotal insights. A fresh perspective offers a new lens to view our operations, revealing blind spots and hidden potentials we might have overlooked.
Gauging Success and Identifying Opportunities:
Feedback is the compass guiding us through the labyrinth of business. It provides a yardstick to measure success, enabling us to celebrate victories and recalibrate strategies where necessary. Moreover, it unveils untapped opportunities, acting as a treasure trove for innovation and growth. Without feedback, we risk stagnation, missing chances to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing market.
The Power of Collaborative Innovation:
Entrepreneurship can be a solitary journey, but success rarely emerges from isolated efforts. Seeking feedback means inviting collaboration and fresh ideas. It’s the synergy between diverse perspectives that sparks innovation, unlocking solutions we might never have envisioned alone. Remember, the brightest ideas often emerge from the collective brilliance of minds working in harmony.
You Can't Do It Alone:
In the landscape of business, the myth of the lone visionary is just that—a myth. No business flourishes solely on the brilliance of one individual. It's the collective wisdom, diverse insights, and collaborative efforts that pave the way for remarkable success. Embracing feedback is acknowledging that growth is a communal effort.
Explore Possibilities:
As a business strategist deeply committed to fostering growth and innovation, I invite you to explore the power of feedback. Book a strategy session with me, where we can delve into your business, uncover potential, and chart a course for exponential growth. Let's harness the strength of collective insight to elevate your business to new heights.
Remember, seeking feedback isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your commitment to growth and improvement. Embrace the power of diverse perspectives, and let's embark on a transformative journey together. Schedule a strategy session today, and let’s pave the way for your business's success.
