Text version scenario

An employee shows a clear desire to become the manager of the department and sees himself as next in line. The employee is technically very capable and key to the success of the group, but his manager is unsure of his leadership skills for that role. He is wondering how he should give feedback that is constructive. Should he be open and candid? Should he check his assumptions about this employee with other peers who know him to exclude personal biases?

Discussion question

• Have you had a situation when you have had to give difficult feedback?
• How did you approach it?
• What did you learn from it?

Things to consider

We can learn from these situations to help us truly live our values. While there are no clear-cut solutions, we can consider the following actions:

• Discuss and share insights on how open and honest communication helps improve performance.
• Be open to challenge your own assumptions of people.
• Explore opportunities for the employee to test and develop leadership in current position.
• All of us have biases. Do what you can to know your biases and counter act them, so they don’t negatively impact your judgement.