#davesdailychallenge (33): Comfort Zones. I used to have a boss in the Marines that only had one rule while doing any type of feedback session or “after-action” review…you have to have a beer in your hand. At first I didn’t ask any questions because hey…I’m happy to follow that order Sir! One of the other Marines asked why he was so adamant about this practice once and his answer has stayed with me ever since. He told us that when he gathered us together like this and asked our opinions on how our team could improve and what we were doing right that we should actively seek to replicate that he really wanted to hear what was on our minds. “People are more honest with a beer in their hand. They’re more relaxed. They’re more open to constructive criticism. You don’t do me, yourselves, or your Marines a damn bit of good by holding back.” While the specific “beer in hand” approach might not work for you the takeaway is still the same. If you really do want honest feedback put people in their comfort zones. Find a good restaurant, get out of the office, or go golfing. If all else fails…just crack a beer.