A message to my old boss: what your red pen correction delivered me…

Dear old boss,

I hope you and your family are safe and well. I know it’s been a while but I was recently reflecting about my time working with you and all I could remember was the regular red marks through my proposals. The truth is I don’t know what was going on for you at the time. Pressure from above? Daily stress? Frankly, it’s none of my business. But on behalf of all the other people you manage today and tomorrow, I want you to know that the red marks were painful. I know this was your way of efficiently giving me feedback but it mainly activated fear, doubt and insecurity in me. Not great for learning. I’m not blaming, just letting you know and inviting you to consider another way that may have inspired deeper understanding, responsibility, loyalty, trust, creativity and confidence in me.

If you are questioning how feedback is currently delivered in your organisation; challenging the way things are done or reflecting on your own company culture, then please connect.