It happens to all of us.

We get defensive or self-protective and don’t want to hear feedback that isn’t positive or celebratory of us.

The irony is that we risk the very information that could be most helpful to us for future success.

(Note: This does not mean allowing everything in.  That would make us too porous, too susceptible to the whims and winds of opinion.  Credit goes to long time mentors Alan Weiss and Terry Real for this distinction.)

The trick is to actively seek input from those whom we trust and respect.

And then listen.

For themes, consistencies.

Because they usually point to something salient, either in reality or perception.

And in leadership, the distinction is unimportant but the impact critical.

When I think about commonalities among my super-successful, senior executive clients — those whose trajectories are essentially limitless – one link is that they all actively solicit feedback.

From their senior leadership teams.

And team members in the broader organization.

From the Board.

And peers.

From clients.

And me.

Because they understand that rather than make them appear weak – the ego’s fear – that input has the good chance of making them even better.

And sometimes, singularly excellent.

Like Simone Biles.

 

There is one seat remaining at the Magnificent Leadership® Annual Event on October 17+18 in Raleigh before we begin a waitlist.  To see this year’s program and guest speakers (hint: they’re outstanding), go here to learn more and to grab your seat.  This unique business leadership event is one that many attendees return for each year.

New Openings!  In September, I will have two openings in the Magnificent Leadership Ascension – Private Leadership Guidance Annual Program.  Bespoke, confidential, professional and personal coaching, this program is for leaders who have achieved significant success, are driven to the next level of contribution, and might be asking the ‘what’s next?’ question.  Fees begin at 150K annually.  2 openings only.  To set up a time to chat and explore this together, email me directly: sarah@sarah-levitt.com

The Quarterly Trusted Guidance Annual Program is among my most popular and accessible coaching offerings and will have openings in Q4.  Designed to be light on your calendar with both targeted and strategic input so you can get immediate results.  Fee is 25K for the entire year and includes prep work, 4 deep dive quarterly sessions, and unlimited email access.

New openings!  Trusted Guide to the CEO:  You and I partner to work on any number of strategic issues that are of greatest import to you and maximizing business success: succession, team performance, business growth, risk identification and mitigation, development of key performers, and increasingly getting out of the weeds, to name just a few.  I am your thought partner, trusted guide, and confidant.  Engagements may include strategic sessions with your SLT and executive coaching of key performers.  Unlimited, unrestricted access to me.  The next openings are Q4.  For more, contact me here to set up a time for us to chat.

September 10th Webinar: Replace Your High Performing Team and Build a Self-Correcting Team℠, Instead   On September 10th at 10am ET I’m offering an interactive, 45 minute, cost-free webinar on Building a Self-Correcting Team℠, one that that is anticipatory, accountable, trusting, responsive, and flawless in execution.  This is the first time I’m offering this content to the public which is usually reserved for clients and their leadership teams.  To save your seat and register, hit reply and let me know how many from your team are coming.  Attendance will be capped to permit time for your questions and discussion.

Planning Your 2025 Conference?  In addition to the very popular new keynote, “Authoritative Influence,” there are many to choose from: “Prudent Leadership: Building a Self-Correcting Team,” “Trifecta: Strategic Leadership, Talent Retention, and Culture,” and “Magnificent Leadership: Keys to Success” remain among the most popular.  And all can be designed as a workshop.  From elite leadership events to rooms of thousands, audiences describe me as engaging, passionate, and interactive, with humor, real stories, and practical business application.  Go here for more and meeting planner resources.  I’ve spoken everywhere from Harvard’s Kennedy School to Blue Cross and Blue Shield to the American Bankers Association to Women in Cable Telecommunications.  Customized, not canned.