I learnt that seeking feedback and improving is better than living with assumptions.

This happened a few decades ago when I was doing my MBA in the United States. Even today the learning is impactful that I observe and clarify things immediately without living with assumptions.

There were a group of us from different nationalities involved in a project, for one of the main semester subjects. We put all our efforts and stood first during the final presentations and submissions. I was very happy and everyone in the team was happy too. In the next semester, there was an opportunity for the same group to do another project and I was excited.

The next day when we were in class, I opened the conversation with the assumption that we would be working together again and sought suggestions on our topic. There was silence. And then one of them opened up and said, “Priya, I think we would like to reconsider the team”. I was stunned and taken aback. I recovered quickly and in my usual style, immediately sought clarification. What they shared has stood with me until today for teamwork.

“Priya, it looked like it was your project and we did not see ourselves in it. You were carried away with your frame of reference and we felt it was better to allow you to take it forward”.

That day I learnt the importance of a WHY for every team member, and the importance for everyone to shine together. I did not allow the voice in my head to take over , “why did they not tell me this ahead, and why only now”.

I learnt the power of continuous feedback and acknowledgement for teams to bond, bind and beget together.

Do you seek feedback from people who matter?
Do you reflect and take action?
Do you lead with a lens of improvement or a lens of mistake and guilt?

How has your action based on feedback, transformed you and your leadership?