Mastering feedback: Becoming a trusted business partner
When working closely with your Executive, giving feedback and sharing new ideas is critical to building a solid relationship based on trust. Check out these helpful tips for mastering feedback: Becoming a trusted business partner. Learn to provide effective feedback and confidently present innovative ideas.
Choose the right time and place
Find an appropriate moment to discuss your feedback or ideas with your Executive. It’s essential to consider their schedule and workload, ensuring they are receptive to a conversation. Schedule a meeting or approach them when available and open to discussions.
Be prepared and concise
Before presenting your feedback or ideas, make sure you have done thorough research and analysis. Prepare a clear and concise presentation or document that outlines your points. By being well-prepared, you demonstrate professionalism and enhance the chances of your ideas being taken seriously.
Use constructive language
Maintaining a positive and constructive tone when providing feedback or suggesting new ideas. Avoid sounding critical or contentious. Frame your feedback as suggestions for improvement rather than pointing out flaws. Use phrases such as “I believe,” “Have you considered,” or “What if we tried.”
Focus on the benefits
Highlight the potential benefits and positive outcomes of your feedback or ideas. Explain how they can contribute to increased efficiency, productivity, cost savings, or improved outcomes for the business. Emphasise how your suggestions align with the company’s goals and vision.
Be open to discussion
Encourage a two-way conversation with your Executive. After presenting your feedback or ideas, listen attentively to their response. Be open to their perspective and be prepared to address any concerns or questions they may have. Engaging in dialogue shows your willingness to collaborate and adapt your ideas if necessary.
Start with small steps
If you’re introducing a new concept or change, it may be more effective to implement it gradually. Propose pilot projects or trials to test the feasibility and success of your ideas. By starting small, you can demonstrate tangible results and build trust and confidence in your abilities.
Continuously seek opportunities
Actively look for opportunities to provide feedback and share your ideas. Stay informed about industry trends, market developments, and emerging technologies. Regularly engage in discussions with your Executive, showing your commitment to staying up-to-date and contributing valuable insights.
Remember, developing the confidence to provide feedback and suggest new ideas takes time and practice. Building a solid relationship with your Executive based on trust and mutual respect is crucial for effective collaboration and becoming a valued business partner.
Working closely with your Executive can be a tricky relationship to maintain. You want to remain professional and courteous while providing honest feedback and expressing innovative ideas. Following these pointers will aid you in maintaining the harmony needed in this critical working relationship. It also helps ensure that it’s an effective connection which underpins the rest of the senior leadership team, making the best decisions for the business as a whole. If you’d like to learn more about how to be an effective executive partner, take the time to enrol in the Strategic Business Partner Online Course. Investing in yourself is one of the most effective ways to impact your Executive partnership for years to come.
