Taking the Fear out of Feedback

Feedback is one of the most critical requirements for sustained high-level performance of any human act. Without frequent and specific feedback, performance varies and often fails…Ferdinand F. Fournies

Feedback can be one of the scariest things, and it can cause a lot of stress. It seems like the words “I want to give you some feedback”, is like footsteps behind you in a dark alley; it can generate a real sense of dread! However, feedback does not always have to feel that way.

Your approach to feedback depends on your overall mindset. If you are more of Fixed mindset person, then negative feedback is taken personally; a Growth mindset person looks at negative feedback with excitement, because it means that they are getting better.

Positive Feedback Acknowledgement

Sometimes when people receive positive feedback, it is perceived as empty praise or superficial niceties. When done well, positive feedback or acknowledgement can be a step towards developing a Growth mindset, where the focus is about living up to your own potential rather than another’s expectations.

* DILBERT © Scott Adams. Used By permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.

Negative Feedback

The perception that feedback is negative or positive can be a reflection of a fixed mindset. Using the lens of a Growth mindset, negative feedback can be reframed as areas of improvement; actual concrete areas where you can get better and improve. Many of us associate the artifacts that we produce either as part of our profession, or other areas of our life, as a reflection of who we are as a person. The consequence of this point of view is that criticism of our work is criticism of us. Adopting the Kaizen approach of continuous improvement can be helpful in dealing with “negative” feedback.

Feedback & Personal Filters

We all have our own personal belief systems based on life experiences, religious beliefs, and expectations. When receiving and giving feedback we should be aware that there is personal filter through which feedback is given and received. It is important to get feedback from different sources so that you can have different perspectives. Feedback should be evaluated against your objectives, put through your own filters and then incorporated where necessary.

Feedback A Process For Improvement

Once you are able to separate yourself from the artifacts you produce, you will be able to use feedback as a mechanism to get better and better.