Transitioning from Overly Accommodating to Impactful Leadership
In the dynamic world of banking, providing constructive feedback is an essential tool for nurturing talent and driving teams towards excellence. This is a lesson that Maria Tedesco, President and Chief Operating Officer at Atlantic Union Bank, has learned throughout her career.
Maria's journey began early on when she received unexpected criticism from her supervisor. She was told that she needed to be tougher, a comment that initially stung but ultimately proved to be a catalyst for growth. Maria learned that delivering difficult feedback can be a constructive force, paving the way for improvement and fostering a culture of growth.
As a leader, it is our responsibility to empower employees to achieve their full potential. This requires objective feedback, based on specific examples and measurable outcomes. Navigating challenging conversations hones a leader's communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Effective leaders can encourage a two-way dialogue and brainstorm actionable steps for improvement.
Ambiguity or beating around the bush with employees can lead to confusion and undermine trust and transparency. This was evident in the case of Tom, a beloved employee who was underperforming. Despite his skills being well-regarded, Tom's performance metrics consistently fell short of the organization's expectations. After Tom's departure, he found success at another firm where his skills were better aligned.
The ability to provide constructive feedback is crucial in any leadership role. It is a part of a leader's growth and development. Maria Tedesco, with her track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics and significant personal and professional achievements, stands as a testament to this. In fact, such qualifications are necessary for membership in prestigious organisations like the Forbes Business Council, a growth and networking organisation for business owners and leaders.
In conclusion, delivering difficult feedback can enhance individual performance, strengthen an organisation as a whole, and drive teams towards excellence. As leaders, it is our responsibility to foster an environment that encourages growth, improvement, and open communication. By doing so, we can empower our teams to reach their full potential and drive our organisations towards success.
- As the President and Chief Operating Officer at Atlantic Union Bank, Maria Tedesco leverages her leadership skills to drive careers by delivering constructive feedback that fosters a culture of growth in the finance sector.
- Maria Tedesco's outstanding leadership in business, which has significantly influenced Atlantic Union Bank's growth metrics and earned her membership in the Forbes Business Council, underscores the importance of constructive feedback in shaping careers and organizational success.
