How taking feedback positively can accelerate your growth

No one likes to hear a negative statement about his or her work. Although listening to such statements might pinch your heart a bit at the moment. However, recognizing the problem and working on it can put you ahead a lot faster.

Let’s do a little time travel. Think about your work delivery and professionalism a few years back. Surely, there are some things you wish you did better despite giving your best shot. Hence, it’s crucial to understand that we as individuals often miss out or are unaware of things that could aid our growth. Our seniors, colleagues, and even juniors may put forward some insights; which if incorporated well could help blossom you beautifully. Wondering how that can be done?

Here are a few things that you should keep in mind in order to receive feedback well and make the best out of it.

• Active listening: It primarily means refraining from interjecting. Listen to the other person out and not what you anticipate they will say; let them finish their part and hear what they are actually saying. If you focus on listening and learning rather than becoming defensive and preparing your response, you will learn more.

 

• Be grateful: No matter what the content of the feedback is, it is imperative that you appreciate the source for their insight. By doing so you can establish an environment where you continue to get the constructive criticism necessary for your future development. As, if you do not welcome it, the other person would refrain from bringing up such points in the future.

 

• Ask for details: You can always ask for more details and clarifiers so that you get a better idea of the context. For example, you can ask for relevant scenarios they are referring to so as to have a better understanding of the situation.

 

• Reflect upon it: Now, even though it is recommended to gracefully receive every feedback that comes your way, it is not necessary to agree to everything that is said. You must decide what to do in response to the feedback after evaluating its worth and the implications of acting on it or ignoring it.

 

• Follow up: You can schedule the meeting with the concerned person after a certain period of time when you have a hang of implementing the feedback as a practice.

 

Learning is a never-ending process and that is what keeps us going, helping us evolve into better versions of ourselves. Everyone at all levels can use some guidance and mentorship that could elevate their growth. All it takes is an open mind and for one to be humble.