Feedback 101: How to Handle Feedback Effectively
Photo by Franco Antonio Giovanella on Unsplash
You’re sitting across from a human being who's about to give you some feedback. Whether it’s a co-worker, your manager, or the big boss doesn’t really matter - they’ve got some feedback for you. They’ve also just read our blog on how to give effective feedback and you don’t know it yet but you’re about to get some top-tier feedback. You want to make the most of whatever they’re about to tell you - and we’re here to help you do that.
How to Receive Feedback like a Pro
Feedback is a two-way process. While there are many important aspects to giving feedback, receiving feedback is of equal importance. Here are a few ways you can make sure that you make the most of what the other person says.
Active Listening
Minimize all distractions. Active listening is a skill that goes beyond just listening - it is observing, reflecting, and engaging with the speaker. It also involves not being judgemental towards what the other person does. We have an entire post on barriers to listening and active listening.
Asking Questions
If there is anything unclear or not specific enough, ask them to clarify. It is difficult to improve with non-specific feedback. Perhaps you’d like to ask them what their expectations are for this feedback session or what to prioritize. Ask the questions that will help you make the most of the feedback that is given to you.
Creating SMART objectives
Discuss how you can turn the feedback you’ve been given into actionable goals and objectives. Create a path forward and set expectations and how much improvement can be seen in what space of time. Make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Timely. This may not work with smaller tidbits of feedback, but on the broader scale of what skills you need to improve, this will work wonders in terms of forward movement.
These are some of the most important tips that you can use to maximize your potential by using the feedback you are given. Now you and the other, feedback-giving human being are ready to have a meaningful discussion and listen and feel seen and heard. We love that for both of you.
