F.Y.I. - For Your Improvement

Ever wonder how many times you have to give feedback to own self, co-workers or even superiors- and we run out of words- or aptly put, run out of concrete feedback that is reflective enough and can lead to an actionable improvement plan?

I didn't have a good spell on it either until I attended a training workshop organized by my company on crafting personal development plan this morning. The speaker is none other than my HR Director. I can see the speaker is really passionate about the subject. The accompany FYI book (pic), from Korn/Ferry international, powered by Lominger Competency is really an excellent reference book that I can turn to for guidance as needed.

There are broadly 3 phrases in any of the personal development cycle:

a) Realization phase - this is where we identify areas needing improvement to make us from unskilled to skillful. By skillful means become second nature, it usually takes roughly about 9 to 12 months

b) "How to" phase - this is where we formulate action plan to bridge the gap. Can draw from the FYI book the Causes, Learning Mapping and then sample Action plan to act on it. Development opportunities can be via Experience (70% - eg actual work, on job training), Exposure (20% - eg mentor, role model) and Education (10% - eg course, reading)

c) Reflection phase - stock take, review and re-calibrate where necessary

Few key takeaways I have after this fruitful morning, thanks to the speaker pointed out, which I agree totally:

1. Be Specific when working on area of improvement. Once identified and confirmed, start to put into practice on daily or regular basis, until a new neurological pattern is formed (i.e. becomes habitual).

2. Don't overlook the Basics. Go back to fundamentals and build a solid foundation building blocks on top of each other.

3. Learning is an ever evolving process, and it should never cease.

Human beings are still more receptive to praises than criticisms. Next time when hearing negative feedback, first thing come to our mind should be these two words:

"THANK YOU"

After self evaluation, though it will take time to correct bad habit and replace with a new good one, we should appreciate and be thankful to people taking the effort to give us feedback.

I am ready to learn the basics again. What about you? :)