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Phase 1, Step 3 - Gather Feedback from Others

Step 3:   Double-check your self-evaluation and identify possible blind spots (both positive and negative).  At this stage you can adjust your professional development goals if necessary.  Everyone has blind spots. While you think you may know yourself well, it is important to periodically look in the mirror and see yourself as others see you. Often, your friends and family see strengths that you may not know you have.   Other times, they can help you identify stretch goals and areas for professional development. Looking in the mirror is critical to identifying a good cultural fit in an organization and finding a job/career that will keep you be fully engaged at work. This step will be completed when you can clearly articulate how others see you and have identified or modified your professional development goals based on your new knowledge.

Questions:

1. What role do I take on a team?  How can I be a better team player?
2. How do others view my leadership style? How do they perceive my strengths and areas for growth?
3. How have others validated how I view myself?
4. What were some surprises to me during this time of exploration?
5. What new areas of professional development have I identified?

Checklist:

1. Ask your network to complete the 360 survey on Career Leader and consider the responses you receive.
2. Ask your family what they see as your strengths and major accomplishments.
3. Ask the references that you used for your Willamette MBA application what they said about you.
4. Ask your team members what was their first impression of you?
5. Ask former co-workers and supervisors what they see as your strengths and potential opportunities in the future.

Deliverable for GSM5108:  

Collect feedback from at least 5 people. Draft an analysis of how your feedback compared to your own self-analysis. Identify areas for professional development. Upload this essay into your Optimal Resume Portfolio.

Why this is important:  

Your closest friends and family know you sometimes better than you know yourself.  Their feedback is invaluable and they may recognize strengths you did not even know you possessed.  Be sure and talk to as many individuals as possible to gain a variety of perspectives and ideas.

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