Focus on your strengths – they’re what got you where you are.  Easily said, harder to do.  When debriefing 360 feedback the majority of executives will “hunt the negative”.  Finding the criticism in the report and either moving defensively against it or wrestling with it to see how they can improve.  But you didn’t get to be the senior leader because of your weaknesses, you got there because of your strengths.  Building from your strengths rather than over-focusing on your weaknesses makes sense.

I was reminded of this in a BBC article on Joe Root – the upcoming star of England cricket.  Here is a quote from him

“When I came back from Australia, I realised a lot of the time out there I was trying to work on things I wasn’t too good at – and putting all my energy into that, rather than spending more time strengthening the stuff I am good at.”

Now, I’m sure he didn’t stop tackling weaknesses but if you’ve made the England team as a cricketer playing a certain way then there is an awful danger that a coach has you focus on your weaknesses and those weaknesses invade your thoughts and confidence.  His coach at the time (the now sacked Peter Moores) instead led him to build from his strengths.

Here is a quote from the Managing Director of an advertising agency who used us for debriefing 360 degree feedback

“I’ve been privy to several 360 experiences during my 30-year career, and this one topped them all by a long shot.

Not only did I walk away embracing a few key actions to help ensure our agency continues to flourish, but also I thoroughly enjoyed the debrief conversation, appreciated the perspective, and valued your insights.

I especially respected the concept of going from one’s strengths – as I’ve seen how 360’s can derail easily on a side-item or so.  Indeed,  you and your process have a wonderful way of focusing on the important stuff!”

Not often you can link a future England captain’s development to that of a US marketing agency director!

Brendan

www.bowlandsolutions.com