It’s easy to feel defensive or disregard something you don’t want to hear. You’re only human after all. 

On many occasions, I’ve taken feedback for improvement as a criticism; and yes it feels personal! However, playing back the conversation with a clearer mind has always resulted in learning something new or extremely valuable about who I am. This goes towards my personal and professional development in a big way.

Hearing feedback for improvement can sting a little, but it’s really about what you do with it. Here are some suggestions on how to approach the conversation.

With a little mindset shift, you can leverage feedback to help you grow and advance. Negative feedback is a lot easier to handle when you ask yourself “what can I learn from this?”

Listening is your best friend! You may be tempted to explain yourself, which can give away a whole range of emotions. Just take in what the other person is saying, consider things from their point of view, and reflect. Use the conversation as a moment for introspection.

Ask clarifying questions and thank them for sharing. Saying thank you shows that you’re open to growth. If you’re unclear about anything they said, ask for examples. Remember that advancing your skills means making changes from time to time. Make this worthwhile by committing to changes and taking action. 

Zoom out a little – in the bigger picture, feedback can help you become a better version of yourself. By shifting your perspective, listening actively, and being open to change, you’ll also be improving your work environment for everyone. If you found this helpful, share it with someone or leave a comment! Don’t forget to follow Giraffe on Instagram and LinkedIn.