Episode Summary:

In this episode of Dance Studio 411, host Jill Tirone welcomes Shanna Kirkpatrick, a veteran dance studio owner with over 19 years of experience, to discuss the value of feedback in running a successful studio. Shanna shares personal insights and strategies on how soliciting and responding to feedback from families, staff, and students has transformed her leadership approach and studio operations. The episode dives into the challenges of receiving feedback, especially for creative professionals, and highlights actionable practices for turning feedback into a powerful growth tool.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Feedback: Studio owners benefit significantly from feedback, not only for professional growth but for maintaining a healthy, responsive studio environment.
• Best Practices for Feedback: Shanna advises creating structured, regular opportunities for feedback, such as using simple Google Forms or initiating casual conversations with parents and staff.
• Implementing Feedback: Real examples from Shanna’s journey show how to embrace feedback constructively, even during challenging times, and how these conversations can clarify a studio’s vision and values.
• Leadership Through Feedback: By asking her team for feedback on her own leadership, Shanna builds trust and respect, showing that feedback isn’t just top-down but can be a two-way process that empowers everyone involved.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you want to improve, you need to be tenacious about receiving and sifting through feedback." - Shanna Kirkpatrick
• "The people closest to you, like your staff, can provide invaluable feedback—use it to better yourself as a leader." - Shanna Kirkpatrick
• "It’s about listening without defensiveness and using that feedback to craft a studio that aligns with your values and the needs of your community." - Jill Terrone

Timestamps:

• [00:29] - Welcoming Shanna Kirkpatrick
• [02:13] - Why Feedback is Essential for Growth
• [04:34] - Asking Staff for Feedback
• [07:01] - Shanna’s Story: Turning Feedback into Action
• [10:08] - Using Calendar Reminders to Follow Up on Feedback
• [11:03] - Closing Thoughts on Intentionality in Leadership

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