Step One: Identify people who (a) can provide useful input on your strengths and growth potential; (b) will be having important interactions with you; or (c) will otherwise be in a good position to assess your success going forward.
Step Two: Send each of them a message separately.
Sample language:
Hi ____________,
I am working with an executive leadership coach, _________________, to maximize my effectiveness in my current position. I would greatly appreciate your sharing with him your insights on the following:
- What do you consider my up to three greatest strengths?
- What are up to three areas of my growth or improvement that you think would be beneficial?
- If you identify more than one improvement area, which one do you recommend I work on first, and what practical suggestions do you have for my coach and me to get started?
You can provide this input through the following:
- Email him directly with your responses at ________________.
- Email him to schedule a real-time conversation.
The information you provide will be kept strictly confidential by my coach and not shared with me or anyone else without your express permission.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
I greatly appreciate your involvement in my effort to be the best leader I can be.
Best regards,
Step Three: A week later, send a group email (their addresses in the BCC line) thanking those who have responded and encouraging those who haven’t yet to do so.
Step Four: A week later, send a group email (their addresses in the BCC line) thanking those who have responded and encouraging those who haven’t yet to do so by a specific day and time.
Jathan Janove, MGSCC Chief Learning Officer, is the author, most recently, of The HR Renaissance: From Legal Guard to Growth Partner.
