The most valuable feedback that I received in my career was a contradiction. It still resonates with me today.
This leader delivered the feedback with tact. Not only that, he delivered it in a way that gave me permission to LEAN IN, but to do it mindfully.
The feedback: SLOW DOWN.
The problem: I was moving too fast—missing details, skipping parts of the sales process, and the like.
But there was a caveat, which was that I was selling more than anyone else on the team.
And that’s the rub. Top reps ruffle feathers. It’s part of why they’re top reps. As a leader, you need to ensure that you allow that person to continue to thrive, as long as they are not a cancer to the organization.
I don’t think I was. He must not have either.
But I was moving too fast and it was ruffling feathers. So I slowed down. I paid more attention to the details.
And then, in other areas, I kept pushing.
And to be honest, I still need this advice. This post is contradictory in the same way. Nuance is good. Hear this: if you’re someone who works fast, keep working fast. But you better be able to look in the mirror and notice if you’re making things difficult downstream.