10 of 10: You Need a Helpful Critic

10. Share your plan with someone that could give you a “reality check” on your plan. Look for someone that would add something constructive or ask you challenging questions.

In the world of executives or business leaders I have noticed a trend. Some leaders that I work with I can present them something and will walk out of their office with a better product than I came in with. I feel inspired based upon our experience and want to make what I did even better for our next interaction. There is a comfort and assurance that this person and I are working together. We are comrades not opponents.

Contrast that with the other leaders that I work with that see this opportunity for feedback as an opportunity to demonstrate their over inflated ego, their skills at dissection and proceed to dismantle what has been put together. They will tell you how it won't work and you had better come up with something better. I walk away from these experiences frustrated because I missed the mark but a feeling of despair in that I have very little to go on. I just know I need to do "better." Rather nebulous in most cases.

Have you ever had that experience even if it wasn't with an executive or business leader?

I will find my point, stick with me here...There are "and what about this idea" people and "no that won't work" people. Who would you rather work with? Who would you like to hear feedback from? Here is my point, who would you rather share your Career Development Plans with? If number ten is to find someone to share my plan with to provide me with helpful feedback, how do I find that "and what about this idea" type of person? I want a reality check, not a cross-check up against the boards, to use a ice hockey reference.

I want to bring my plan into whomever's office and if I have gaps or inconsistencies I want them to show me them and ask questions, but most importantly help me make it better. I don't want to open myself up and express my interests and have it torn apart piece by piece. Ask me hard questions that cause me to think and clarify my logic and intentions in putting down what I put down. Don't treat me like a child and be dishonest. I want you to hold up a mirror to me so that I can see what needs improvement.

So, if you don't know any of these "and what about this idea" people, here are a few things to look for in someone:

• See how they respond to personal failure or a less than mediocre outcome. You are looking for someone that will acknowledge that they may be frustrated or venting about the results but that they are really looking to improve on what was done. Do they look for feedback?
• Are they more positive or negative when asking them how they are doing? I am not talking about someone that answers that they are "fine" or "busy." When someone genuinely responds, do they offer a positive response or is it their complaining and grumbling a habit?
• Give it a trial balloon. Take a mediocre presentation or a small problem you are working on and ask them for feedback. Pay special attention to their tone and their willingness to be candid.

Taking it to the next level...what if you are a "no that won't work" person?

At the end of your career, what type of attitude do you want to be known for? Would you want someone to feel like they could come to you for a helpful critique of the plan?

Maybe there is some needed change for your career development plan.