During the 1980s, Ed Koch was mayor of New York [1]. He was as colorful as the city itself, reminding many (who could think back that far) of Fiorella LaGuardia, for whom the New York airport is named.
During his three terms as mayor, Koch would walk through New York's neighborhoods and ask people "how am I doing?" It was his signature line, and connected him to the voters of New York. And they would let him know. It was not a terribly scientific form of polling, especially by today's standards, but it was very effective. [2]
One of the simple things you can do is to ask the people who you serve inside and outside your department and company, "how am I doing?" Do it face-to-face, preferably over a coffee or beer. And do it more than once a year. |