Feedback. For some, the mere mention of the word can create unease. However, when done well, receiving and providing feedback can be the secret tool to one’s career. Hearing how colleagues, managers and even customers receive your work can transform your performance.
The power of receiving feedback
Firstly, what is feedback? Feedback is someone’s reaction to a product, task or service. It’s generally used as a basis for improvement. It may come in the form of verbal feedback, written or through a more structured format such as a survey. It might include what the person thought of the product/service or in the workplace, perhaps how you perform your job and tasks. In short, feedback is information. Being able to receive, listen and think about the information you receive is a skill. It can be more challenging when the feedback isn’t positive. However, the greater your ability to listen to what is being shared, the greater your ability to review and think about that feedback.
Is all feedback true?
Not necessarily, and nearly all feedback is subjective. It’s been provided through the experiences, thoughts and beliefs of the person providing it. Does that mean you should listen to all feedback? Absolutely. Sometimes when we hear feedback that isn’t complimentary, our instinct is to defend ourselves or dismiss it. And while it may not be clear initially, often feedback can make more sense over time when you have a chance to process it. Being able to listen to all feedback is a superpower. You may find out something you didn’t realise, become aware of a strength you didn’t even know you had, or uncover a new way of doing things.
How to give effective feedback
Being able to provide effective feedback is as important as being able to receive it. There are a few points to consider:
- Focus on specifics. Effective feedback is when you clearly articulate what you think works or doesn’t. Always use examples.
- It’s not about blame. When the feedback isn’t positive, feedback should focus on the issues and what you want to see change. It’s not about blame or being judgemental.
- Talk it out. Where possible, encourage a discussion with the person you are giving feedback to and encourage a conversation that may identify new points or areas you hadn’t considered.
Learning to receive and provide effective feedback is a skill, much like many others, that you can add to your toolkit. One of the best ways to hone the art of feedback is to practise. As a friend or colleague to give some feedback on a task or something similar. Listen to what they have to say without interjecting or interrupting. Try and listen, and when they have finished, have a conversation about what they have said.
