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And it’s important to note that feedback doesn’t always mean you’re not doing well. Praise is also feedback. It is therefore important to learn how to accept feedback graciously as this skill can help you become a better version of yourself at work. This post will provide you with practical tips in that regard.
1. Embrace a Growth Mindset
The first step to effectively receiving feedback is developing a growth mindset. This means seeing every feedback as a chance to improve rather than as a personal attack. Feedback isn’t a measure of your worth but a tool to help you become better at what you do. When someone points out an area where you need improvement, don’t feel threatened. Instead, ask yourself how you can use that information to do better next time. Having this mindset means that you’re open to learning and employers and colleagues will appreciate that you’re not defensive when corrected.2. Listen Actively
Listening is a critical part of receiving feedback. When your boss or colleague is sharing feedback with you, pay close attention to what they are saying. Don’t interrupt, defend yourself, or jump to conclusions. Simply listen. Active listening means focusing on the message without planning your response in your head. Show the person giving the feedback that you value their input. You can do this by nodding, maintaining eye contact, or asking clarifying questions like, “Can you give me an example of when I did that?” or “How can I improve on this going forward?”3. Control Your Emotions
As humans, it’s common to feel emotional, especially when receiving feedback that feels critical. However, it’s important to keep your emotions in check. If you feel upset or defensive, take a deep breath before responding. The workplace can sometimes be tough, and how you react to feedback can influence how you’re perceived by your colleagues or employer. If you need time to process the feedback, it’s okay to ask for a moment and come back to the discussion later. Remember, your reaction to feedback can determine how future feedback is given to you.4. Ask for Clarification
Many have challenges giving feedback and as such often give vague feedback. This makes it hard to understand what you need to improve on. If this happens, don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications or specific examples to better understand the feedback. For instance, if your supervisor says, “You need to communicate better,” you can ask for specific instances when your communication wasn’t effective.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
5. Take Notes and Reflect
Whenever you receive feedback, make sure to jot down the key points. This helps you remember the details, especially when the feedback is given during a meeting or an informal chat. Once you’ve written down the feedback, reflect on it later. Think about how you can apply it to your work and improve your performance. Taking notes also shows that you are serious about acting on the feedback. It’s one thing to listen, but putting the advice into practice is what will set you apart.6. Thank the Person Giving Feedback
Feedback, whether positive or negative, takes time and effort to give. Always thank the person who took the time to offer their insights. This shows maturity and professionalism. Even if the feedback was tough to hear, expressing gratitude will encourage future feedback and demonstrate your willingness to learn.7. Implement the Feedback
After receiving feedback, the most important thing is to act on it. If you’ve been told to improve your time management or communication skills, make a conscious effort to work on those areas. Don’t just hear the feedback; use it to guide your personal and professional development.8. Seek Feedback Regularly
Don’t wait until performance reviews or annual appraisals to receive feedback. Proactively seek feedback from your colleagues, supervisor, or team members. This not only shows that you are committed to continuous improvement, but it also helps you identify areas you can work on before they become major issues.Concluding Thoughts
Receiving feedback in the workplace doesn’t have to be a ‘life-threatening’ experience for you. The tips in this post can help you better receive feedback in your workplace, turning it into a valuable learning opportunity.Featured Image Source: Hosco
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