Feedback as an Investment
ManagementGiving detailed feedback is a long-term investment that eventually makes a manager's life easier by empowering high performers.
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Hall of Masters
Wes Kao
웨스 카오
Co-founder of Maven and the altMBA; writes on marketing and communication
1,100 records in all
- Principles 378
- Episodes 165
- Quotes 557
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Principles
57 basic records of 378
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
Intellectual Honesty in Management
LeadershipManagers must admit that avoiding feedback is often due to the difficulty of the task rather than a lack of time.
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Adopt an active review stance
LearningReview company documents with the intent to use the information for specific decisions rather than just absorbing background knowledge.
Supporting quotes
No one is as invested in your success as you are. Everyone else is busy with their existing job, so embrace that you'll need to take the reins.
Source Wes Kao How To On Board Yourself, 2023 (opens in a new tab)
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Bridge Intent and Execution
LeadershipWhen giving feedback, acknowledge what the person was trying to achieve before explaining why the current approach failed and suggesting an alternative.
Expose Invisible Work Patterns
HiringLabeling recurring help as 'favors' hides skill gaps or resource needs that should be addressed through hiring or training.
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Contextualize Your Boundaries
LeadershipSetting boundaries is important, but doing so without explanation in a professional setting can damage relationships and reputation.
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Focus on Affirmative Alternatives
NegotiationInstead of a hard refusal, pivot to what is possible to maintain a collaborative spirit while protecting your time.
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The Eyes Light Up Test
SalesFocus on the audience's emotional engagement rather than following a script or a list of tactics during a presentation.
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Avoid negative framing in communication
BrandBe careful not to use phrases that imply limitations or performance issues, as this can make the product or brand seem tenuous.
Supporting quotes
Finesse is the skill of interacting with other humans in a way that gets the outcome you're looking for, despite situations that have grey area and a range of potential outcomes.
Source Wes Kao The Unspoken Skill Of Finesse, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
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Personality-Message-Delivery Fit
LeadershipOne must understand their own personality and vibe to know which communication styles will feel authentic and effective for them.
Supporting quotes
There are too many variables to think about finesse in abstract terms. Focus on learning from real-life scenarios you're encountering at work.
Source Wes Kao The Unspoken Skill Of Finesse, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
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Be a Player-Coach
LeadershipLeaders should maintain the ability to do the actual work so they can coach their team daily and level up their judgment through hands-on examples.
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Prioritize rapport over process
CustomersThe ultimate goal of any communication is to build a connection or solve a problem, not to finish a checklist.
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Pitch your best before relenting
StrategyEnsure you have presented the strongest possible business case with evidence and logic so you can disagree and commit without regrets.
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Concrete Over Abstract
LeadershipReplace vague corporate goals with specific descriptions of how a change will save time, reduce stress, or increase personal freedom.
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The Defensibility Test
DecisionsOne should ask if a decision is merely 'defensible' (safe from criticism) or if it is actually 'good' (adding real value).
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Prioritize Accuracy Over Flattery
LeadershipNever lie about the quality of work to spare feelings; instead, find a genuine bright spot, such as the timing of the check-in or the effort shown.
Supporting quotes
Notice when we put the positive stuff AFTER the "but," you sound more positive while still getting your point across.
Source Wes Kao Part Ii Use But Strategically, 2025 (opens in a new tab)
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The Recipient Benefit Test
MarketingBefore making a request, ensure it is framed so the other person feels they will be glad they helped rather than regretting the commitment.
Supporting quotes
Before I mention an idea, I always ask myself, "How can I make this less about me? How can I make this more about the other person?
Source Wes Kao Frustrated By Rejection Plan Before You Ask, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
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