Encouraging Feedback

I got this feedback from a manager who was a participant in the café portion of leadership program I am currently enrolled in. I am proud of this feedback and was (and still am) very encourgaged by this individuals' words, so I thought I would share:

From April 2011

Hi,

I have to say, of all the credos and experiences we read for this Café, I enjoyed yours the most. You are early in your career, and yet you already have good self-awareness and are cognizant of your greatest weakness which is also your greatest strength; your empathy. Your stories shone with your personality and I could feel the honesty and emotion in them.

Someone like me can only look over at folks like you and be envious. It simply isn’t in me to be as forthright and honest as you can be about your feelings; you speak from the heart, to the heart. You are going to be a great leader ‘when you grow up’. Well, get older and more experienced anyway – I hope you never grow up.

I’ve really enjoyed being on your team. And for all that other stuff like input, punctuality and contribution. That was good too. But your empathy kicks-a**, even if some days you might think it would be better to have thick skin and be a lousy listener.

Cheers!