Assuming Positive Intent

Originally published on March 15, 2016

I’ve been working on some leadership development training so I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the art of effective feedback. With new leaders, I find the single most important concept they should master with feedback is to always assume positive intent.  It is amazing how this one idea can so radically change the dynamic of feedback and coaching conversations, for all parties involved. We must always remember that there is no way to know for certain the intent behind actions, only how we perceived them and the impact they have. During coaching/feedback sessions, when we assume positive intent, we remove judgment from the situation and create a more collaborative environment. What has been your experience with feedback/coaching conversations?