How to deal with feedback – the good and the bad!

Feedback is essential in your journey as an apprentice, employee, student etc… You need feedback to know how you’re doing, what you’re doing well, and what you can improve on. It’s also important to learn how to receive it effectively.

However, feedback can sometimes be uncomfortable and can be taken personally by some, as if you’re being “told off”. This most definitely should not be case! Feedback can be communicated in many ways via a quick email, a formal meeting, or even a message. It can also come from a variety of sources, such as your manager, teacher, friend, and colleagues.

It can be your most valuable skill if you’re able to take onboard your feedback and use it to improve, because everyone, no matter their role, can improve.

Not only does good feedback boost our spirits and confidence in what we’re doing, but it allows you to sit back and appreciate what you’ve achieved. By having someone else tell you that you’ve been successful in something, it can really do wonders for your self-esteem. Especially those of us that suffer with imposter syndrome, feedback lets you reflect on how far you’ve come and that you should be proud of yourself.

Not all feedback will be pleasant to receive, and some may not be fair. You may receive negative or unhelpful feedback that can be demotivating. It’s important to remember that feedback is just one person’s opinion, and you can choose how to respond to that. Stay professional and try to find some constructive insights that you can use to grow.

My best tips when receiving feedback would be:

1. Be open-minded! Listen to the feedback without wanting to get defensive. You may not agree with everything, but there are valuable insights you can learn from.
2. Ask questions – this can be on if you aren’t sure what the feedback means or how to improve, so don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. This will show you’re interested and willing to learn!
3. Take notes – if the feedback is oral and you don’t want to forget then you can refer to this later.
4. Be appreciative – it’s important to say thank you for the feedback, even if it can be hard to hear. Being appreciative can show others your willingness to improve, keep the conversation positive, and will also encourage them to give you feedback in the future.
5. Follow up with it! Once you’ve had some time to reflect on the feedback, consider following up with the person who gave you it. Let them know what you’ve learned and how you plan to improve.

Receiving feedback can be challenging, but its an essential part of personal and professional growth and you’ll be thankful in the future. By being open minded, asking questions, saying thank you, and following up you can make the most of your feedback. This can then be used to improve your skills, relationships, and performance wherever you are.

Feedback is not a personal attack, but an opportunity to learn and develop. So, embrace your feedback and don’t be afraid to ask for more.