AlanAbar.com

Happy Valentine’s Day to my two loves in life….Olivia and Eden!  I love you both!

For me, it’s tough to take criticism.  But it’s definitely easy to give it!  As a manager, I occasionally find myself wanting to criticize my employees or team members…but with the intent to help improve one’s personal skills, performance, and professional growth.  I’ve been working on trying to be more constructive versus destructive, as I found out that one incorrect word or phase can be taken in a negative light. 

“Never allow criticism, constructive or destructive, to negatively impact your thoughts or performance.  Learn to recognize, welcome, and accept criticism that has constructive merit.”

I’m learning that when you try to help others, to always state your intent, or try to explain the benefit of what you are trying to say.  I learned that you should also think about what you’re going to say, before you bring up any kind of criticism.  I’ve experienced many instances where critism given w/ the right intent, but delivered in a incorrect manner…can create wounds that will last a long time.  Many folks don’t take feedback easily, especially when it goes against their nature or perception of no wrong doing. 

It also helps to be genuine and honest when giving feedback.  I’ve seen that folks respond to criticism when they believe that its for their own good.  I know when a member on my team appreciates criticism, when they actually say thanks for the feedback.  More importantly, when I see that person take the feedback, take action, and make the necessary changes to improve their performance.

I personally now welcome criticism.  I see it as fuel for growth, a means for betterment, a lesson to be learned.  When I don’t get feedback, I think it’s worse not knowing how things could have been done better.  I like to seek feedback, as there is value w/ constructive criticism.  Sometimes criticism is rarely seen…so I go after it.

Criticize me, go ahead!  If it calls me towards action in a positive direction, I thank you for it!

I’ve learned that ”failure” is necessary in achieving those things that are important you.  The only real failures are the experiences we don’t learn from.

In order to grow & succeed, failing is part of the game.  Success, however you may define it, may require some blood, sweat, and tears.  As long as you can stick to your vision, make adjustments to your plan, continue to execute (despite failure) your plan… then you will eventually see results that meets your initial vision.

Don’t be afraid to fail.  Use it as a stepping stone towards your dreams and success.  Just keep moving forward in the right direction.

My former mentor taught me a very simple 4 step concept to help me reach my goals:

1. VISION
2. PLAN
3. EXECUTION
4. RESULTS

For every goal, you should first have a vision.  What is it you are trying to accomplish?  What are you striving for?  What benefit will you gain?  How would you define success for that goal?  What will it look like?

Once you have a Vision, you need a plan.  What steps will you take or are required to reach that vision?  What do you need to do to head in that direction?

Once a plan is in place, you need to execute to that plan.  This is the toughest part.  But if you have a good solid plan, your goal is within reach.

Finally, if your results don’t match your initial vision, you haven’t met / reached your goal!  If it does, congratulations on having a clear vision, a solid plan, well execution, and beneficial results.

“Create a vision for yourself of what you expect to become.  A vision requires you to know where you are going, helps you stay on course, and allows you to know - through goals - you have reached SUCCESS!”

You can’t reach success if you first don’t have a vision, a plan for that vision, actual execution of the plan, and actual results.

If you don’t know where you want to go, or what you want to do or be, life can definitely pass you by.