Most of us are taught: “If you can’t say anything nice… don’t say anything at all.” This phrase was made popular by Thumper, the tiny rabbit in Bambi. Who knew this cotton-tailed cartoon character would have such an impact on so many people and institutions?!
When I work with Executive Leaders, they often tell me they want a radically candid, feedback-driven culture where people hold each other accountable and have proactive conversations about impacts and outcomes. Sounds compelling, right?! I can see you nodding as you read this sentence.
The more we talk, the more reality hits.
We can’t just “really want” radically-candid conversations to happen, we have to methodically and intentionally build organizations and relationships that thrive on care, candor, and intentionality.
Yep, we have to build candor and feedback into every.single.thing. Cultures of feedback, candor, and care are built in the small moments— in the hallway, in the cafeteria, in between phone calls, and after meetings. It’s a whole vibe.
There are thousands of opportunities to build culture, but you have to be willing to put in the work. The first step in putting in the work is to describe the vibe. Take time to get clear on what you want by creating a vibe blueprint. Can I call it vibe-print?!
Every builder needs a blueprint. Become a builder.
2. Share your 20-word vision with three people who will give you candid feedback. Ask them to share feedback with you on these three questions:
3. Write down everything they say on a piece of paper (yes, paper).
4. Once you have their thoughts recorded, highlight everything that affirms the culture you want to create.
5. Rewrite your 20-word sentence and find three spots where you can start to build the culture you describe
6. Try it for two weeks, record what you learn, and adjust.
7Gen Legacy Group, we work with changemakers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and humans creating social change to name, claim and live a legacy of intention and impact.