Evaluations are a tremendous resource to help us know where we have been and how to get where we want to be. One very overlooked person who would give us a very insightful evaluation is our friend. Our friend? Yes! Think about it: They know you better than anyone. They see you in the greatest amount of diversity. They know about all areas of your life. They could possibly give you the best evaluation you have ever had.
So why do we need to do something formal like this? Why don't they just give us their thoughts throughout the relationship? Primarily because most friends won't, in the routine of our friendships, volunteer their true feelings, especially the ones they think we may perceive as negative. Most people simply keep their thoughts to themselves in order to keep the relationship "safe."
So there is a warning here. This is not for someone who would be offended by their friend's remarks. You need to go into this understanding that they care for you and have your best interests at heart and that you asked for the input! If you decide to go for it, here are some good questions to ask your friend. (Note: if you want some anonymity for your friends, give the evaluation to three or four friends and let them do it anonymously. You will still get their insight and they can feel a little less awkward.)
What is my greatest strength as a person? What is my greatest strength as a professional?
What are three issues you think I need to address in my life?
What is my greatest weakness?
On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel I handle my money, given my desire for long-term financial health?
On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel I handle my health, given my desire for long-term physical health?
On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel I handle my emotions, given my desire for long-term financial health?
On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel I handle my spirituality, given my desire for long-term spiritual health?
On a scale of 1-10, how do you feel I handle my relationships, given my desire for long-term relational health?
In the preceding 5 questions, why did you answer as you did?
What one thing do you think I could start doing today that would most drastically increase the quality of my life?
What one thing do you think I could stop doing today that would most drastically increase the quality of my life?
What is the biggest obstacle you think I will need to overcome in order to see my dreams come true?
When your friend has given you the questionnaire back, take him or her out for a cup of coffee and spend some time talking about it. Remember, you are there to understand and learn from someone who cares about you, so ask questions and listen - don't defend yourself!
This will not only help you in your life and work, it will probably deepen your friendship!
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
This article is about a subject that few people think... Read More
An unexamined life is not worth living ? SocratesAll too... Read More
Success can easily be compared to the "genie trapped in... Read More
One of the inevitabilities of University life is the examination.... Read More
We all strive for a 'balanced life'. Although we may... Read More
What makes you unique? Answering this question will provide the... Read More
If you're so smart, why ain't you rich?Becoming a millionaire... Read More
"Things might have been worse"This is the most powerful, dynamic,... Read More
1. Clear vision + Intention + Purpose... Read More
Effective listening is almost certainly the most important communication skill,... Read More
Dr. Wayne Dyer published his best-selling book, "10 Secrets for... Read More
For every disciplined effort, there are multiple rewards. That's one... Read More
"I am the greatest warrior. I have fought with gods... Read More
The difference between success and failure is based on behavior.... Read More
Any person who goes through life without experiencing failure is... Read More
You talked but didn't get a response. You talked but... Read More
You already have all the resources you need to accomplish... Read More
Your own pressing needs, your long-standing frustrations, would benefit tremendously... Read More
Do not make the mistake of looking at your failures... Read More
How can anyone with the brain of a cockroach make... Read More
How many times have you thought about being successful, famous,... Read More
The starting point of all great success and achievement is... Read More
In so many areas of life we must always be... Read More
Failure is GreatYou are probably asking yourself what could be... Read More
We were at some friend's house the other day and... Read More
You must understand You are already a Success, and before... Read More
Exercising is not one of my favorite pastimes but I... Read More
As a professional speaker, father and business owner I often... Read More
Being busy has become a way of life for many... Read More
Daddy was a very, very odd little man-possibly a schizophrenic-for... Read More
If you have a choice each day in the tasks... Read More
Just how powerful is the Subconscious Mind and how can... Read More
There are no two greater ironic comparisons than that of... Read More
I got a big reminder over the last couple of... Read More
Along with time and money, energy is one of your... Read More
Imagine living in the world that Helen Keller found herself... Read More
Most dictionary entries would define failure as the simple lack... Read More
No surprise - winning traits are common among high achievers.Are... Read More
Identity theft!We've all seen them. The commercials use the voices... Read More
The ability to achieve our enormous untapped potential is directly... Read More
Looking for a way to make this year your best... Read More
People often ask me, "Josh, if you had one bit... Read More
If we hope to achieve any worthwhile goal it will... Read More
It's really all we have... the "Moment". Think about it,... Read More
To realize that you determine the outcome of your own... Read More
Becoming successful requires a lifestyle change. It requires that you... Read More
Thoughts are very powerful. An intention held long and hard... Read More
Whether you are self-employed, whether you are an employee, whether... Read More
The recent mission of the space shuttle Discovery is NASA's... Read More
You must play by the rules. Everything has rules. You... Read More
I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our... Read More
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More
After 13 years of being married to the same woman... Read More
Several years ago, I attended a "success" seminar in northern... Read More
The entrepreneur game is filled with an amazing variety of... Read More
Five-time gold medal-winning figure skater, Jenny Kilmer, has won the... Read More
Whoever first said that knowledge is power was probably selling... Read More
We all know as we are progressing towards our personal... Read More
How does an online marketer define success ? There are... Read More
Every man who accomplishes things sees first in his mind... Read More
Do you sometimes feel that you're living a boring life?... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
All too often, people pursue a vision of material success... Read More
Fourteen thousand civilised people died when the tsunami hit Andaman... Read More
I started taking stock of my year in 2002. I... Read More
Success |