RTV# 35 ChargeYour Group B.S. Meter! Oh Yeah!

A Year of Raising the Village Week #35: Charge Your Group B.S. Meter! Bestow growing feedback.


Whether it is in a collaborative, a family or an organization, relationships can benefit from a little “call it like it is...if it comes with the good intent to call out the potential and growth in yourself and others that is.


In the book Awakening Corporate Soul, Klein and Izzo write a section on what makes an organizational group into a community. One of the interviews they conducted had a particularly eye brow raising success factor, a healthy B.S. meter (YES – how refreshing is that!). In this case the healthy B.S. meter refers to bestowing growing feedback. Here are some tips gleamed from the pages that speak to the giving and receiving this kind of feedback:

• Offer feedback frequently - so it becomes expected and familiar



• Know each-others professional and personal goals and help each other clarify these in times of lack of focus



• Appreciate each others' stories (including hopes, fears and goals)



• Give frequent heartfelt praise (filter out false compliments)



• Have an agreed upon commitment to growth –for group compassion and maturation



• Try a lively mix of intensity, honesty and humour (& be able to laugh at self)



• Understand that how we see self – is not always how others take us



• Practice feedback that includes both strengths and challenges... and all that lies in between. Leave out sugar-coated criticism



• Present open space – where people can speak without fear of judgment or attack
  

Your turn, think of an organizational group (or relationship) that you would like to bring a “community” feel to via a healthy BS meter. Use the above steps as a guideline in your feedback and start out simply.
First think about your admiration for the other person you are about to administer the voltage test with. Seep in (and ask permission to share to cut down on the "threat" or "here we go" response):

• What are the amazing qualities I see in this person?



• What might be holding them back from stepping fully into their potential?



• What could they acknowledge in themselves? Where might they grow? What feedback do they have for themselves?



• What impact are they having? impact on others?

And then, be ready to receive your feedback in return. Oh yes, this meter must be transferred both ways our village raising friends!

Imagine how healthy groups can be with this level of transparent communication and dedication to growth!
Village Raising Question: What are some good BS meter questions and phrases? How do YOU frame healthy feedback?

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