Accepting Feedback

In my blog, Delivering Constructive Feedback, we delved into whether positive or negative feedback is necessary for personal and professional growth. But, the process of accepting criticism can often be challenging and uncomfortable. You need to learn to have a delicate balance of humility, self-awareness, and resilience. In this blog, we'll explore the art of embracing feedback and explore effective strategies for processing it constructively.

Importance Of Understanding And Accepting  Constructive Feedback 

Constructive feedback is a gift wrapped in honesty and delivered with the intention of helping us improve. It provides us insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. Unlike destructive criticism, which aims to tear us down rather than build us up, constructive feedback offers specific suggestions for our growth while acknowledging y-our efforts and achievements.

As tempting as it may be to brush off feedback or become defensive, doing so only stunts our growth. Accepting feedback with an open mind demonstrates maturity, resilience, and a commitment to self-improvement. By embracing feedback, we create opportunities for learning, development, and success.

The Process of Accepting Feedback

1. Have a Growth Mindset

When it comes to feedback, it is important to adopt a growth mindset. This means that you should view feedback not as criticism, but rather as an opportunity to learn and grow. It is important to understand that feedback does not define your worth as a person, but rather serves as a means to improve your skills and capabilities. By approaching feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you can turn challenges into valuable learning experiences that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

Pro tip:

When we receive feedback most people focus on the humiliation and embarrassment as not many seniors talk about their mistakes. We all have made blunders as we didn't know better. Whether our manager has provided us with a destructive criticism or a constructive feedback, it is important to focus on the actionable items rather than take it personally. What should your next steps be as someone with a growth mindset?

• Intelligence can be acquired. There is nothing is life that cannot be learnt. If you wish to be better at anything may it be a technical skill or a soft skill you can find someone to teach you or look it up online to find videos to learn by trial and error.

• Embrace the challenge and persist to overcome this setback. Life isn't without its challenges then why should work be any easier. Our college education does not prepare us for real life challenges. So endure and persist.

2. Stay Open-Minded

When someone offers you feedback, it can be challenging to remain open-minded and avoid getting defensive or dismissive. To really listen to the other person, it's essential to give them your full attention, focus on what they're saying without interrupting or making assumptions, and show empathy by putting yourself in their shoes. By doing this, you can gain a deeper understanding of their perspective and build a culture of trust and respect in your relationships and workplace.

Pro tip:

Not all managers are trained in delivering feedback. They act based on what they have experienced in the past from their managers. That is precisely why I would like us to take charge of our self-improvement.

Simon Sinek once said that “Working at a challenging job with a bad boss can actually provide one of the greatest educations."

We should focus on what we can learn about our job and what not to do when we lead teams. Everything we experience is an opportunity for growth.

3. Seek Clarification

Receiving feedback can be challenging, especially when it's unclear or ambiguous. In such situations, it is essential to seek clarification. By doing so, you demonstrate your willingness to understand and learn from the feedback, which ultimately leads to more meaningful dialogue and actionable insights. Asking relevant questions helps to gain a better understanding of the feedback, and it also provides an opportunity to address any concerns or misconceptions. Therefore, it's crucial to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to seek clarification when needed.

Pro-tip:

Gauge the situation and then seek clarification. If your manager is having a bad day, schedule a short call for the next day so that you can get your clarification.

Be empathetic that not all of us know how to regulate our emotions and for your growth you need a calm and focused manager rather than one who might tear your down just because he is under distress.

Alternatively, if there is some other senior who can help you clarify your actionable insights before you go to your manager then do reach out to them first. This will help in putting a good impression in front of your manager.

4. Reflect and Internalize

It's always helpful to take a step back and reflect on any feedback you receive, whether it's from a colleague, employer, or friend. When you do this, try to think about how this feedback aligns with your personal and professional goals and aspirations. By doing so, you can identify actionable steps that will help you improve in those areas where you need it the most.

Self-awareness is a key component of personal and professional growth, so take the time to do some honest self-reflection. It will only go to show that you give importance to your self-improvement. Do not indulge in negative self-talk during this process. Remember, kids go through physical growing pains while growing up. As an adult expect different types of growing pains which will help build resilience for future.

5. Actively Implement Feedback

To make the most of the feedback you receive, it's important to take action and incorporate it into your daily routines and practices. This means setting specific, measurable goals based on the feedback you received, and tracking your progress over time. By actively working to implement the feedback you received, you show your commitment to personal and professional growth and development. With each step forward, you'll be one step closer to achieving your goals and becoming the best version of yourself.

Pro-tip:

Makes notes of feedback you have received on different tasks.

Review these notes before you have to perform a similar task in the future to avoid repeating same mistake again.

Putting pen to paper helps register written notes in the long run as compared to digital notes. However, if you prefer digital notes then give that a shot.

6. Express Gratitude

It's important to express genuine appreciation to those who have taken the time to provide feedback. Whether it's a colleague who has offered valuable insights into your work, a mentor who has shared their expertise and experience, or a supervisor who has provided constructive criticism, acknowledging their efforts can go a long way in building strong relationships and fostering a sense of gratitude. Remember that feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, and recognizing its impact on your journey can inspire you to continue learning and improving.

Pro-tip:

When should you express gratitude?

• During appraisals or self-review conversation

• One-on-one conversation with your manager or colleague

• An email to the team if you are moving out of the organisation

• At the end of a challenging new task/project which marks a monumental achievement

Conclusion:

Accepting constructive feedback is not always easy, but it is an essential aspect of personal and professional development. By cultivating a growth mindset, staying open-minded, and actively implementing feedback, we can leverage criticism as a catalyst for growth and success. Remember, the journey towards self-improvement is ongoing, and feedback is our trusted companion along the way.

So, embrace feedback with open arms, for within it lies the seeds of growth and transformation.