Q: In my last performance appraisal, I was told I lacked initiative and creativity in my work. This is really disappointing as I thought everything about me was fine since the sales targets were achieved. The worst part is my boss did not go into the details on where I should focus my efforts for improvement in the coming year. What do you think my “lack of initiative and creativity” really means?
A: If your sales targets is not the issue, then it could be the way you carry out the work itself. This could be your fixated mindset and rigid work attitude. Another possibility could also be your leadership capabilities, work systems and work process that have not changed much with the times. Based on the above assumptions, I offer these tips for you.
- One of them is to develop higher energy levels to stay mentally and physically alert, which helps in generating more ideas. An alert person will be able to spot gaps for improvement easily without anyone’s help.
2. Train yourself to always ask challenging questions, such as:
“What else could it be?”,
“What if I do it another way?”,
“What’s even better than this?” and so on.
This will help you to think ahead and plan for the unexpected, which will improve the quality of your work processes, leadership capabilities and any other areas.
3. Finally, develop group thinking by always involving others in getting more ideas, which will go a long way for everyone’s development.
POWERFUL QUESTIONS
- How creative do you think you are?
- If you have more of it, what will this do for your organization?
- What can inspire you to be creative?
- Who is a role model you can draw from?
Corporate Coach Academy (CCA) has groomed thousands of top executive coaches in Malaysia since 2003. It offers the best leadership coaching programs accredited by ICF and corporate coaching.