It doesn’t matter who you are, feedback is rarely easy to hear, especially if it is not positive.

That’s why it requires courage to look in the mirror and receive feedback, let alone seek feedback.

According to scientific research there are three elements that together determine how much of our potential we achieve:

• the brain – that which we are naturally endowed with—it is like the hardware of a computer. But by itself it is just a glob of human tissue.
• the mind – similar to software or the operating system of the computer. By itself it also does nothing, but together with the brain it produces thought.
• relationships – similar to software developers who write the code to increase the capability of the computer. As such, the development of the mind depends on the quality of our relationships and our willingness to take in new thoughts, ideas, and perspectives.

To function as people we need all three. To increase our potential  as people and leaders we need to increase the amount of input we receive through relationships.

Hence, to be a great leader you need good mirrors; people who will provide unfiltered feedback.

Recognize, however, that giving feedback to those in power, and especially to one’s own boss, is hard to do. There is always uncertainty and fear around how such feedback will be received and whether it will result in ramifications and retribution.

Great leaders understand that without unfettered feedback they and their organizations will not get better. With transparent feedback, however, they are able to expand awareness and perspective in order to make better decisions and execute better actions. For that reason, great leaders surround themselves with people they can trust and who will tell them the truth, even when it is difficult to hear. Further, great leaders don’t just wait for feedback, they actively seek it.

Are you fostering healthy and honest relationships that provide you with the feedback you need in order to expand your potential? If not, it’s time to look in the mirror.

Herb Mast is Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.