How to React to Feedback
Feedback gives someone the chance to evaluate your performance. It usually consists of comments that are neutral, positive and negative. They may also pass along a suggestion or a question. Sometimes there is a chance for the person to rate experience as well. It feels great to receive positive feedback but you can learn a lot from negative feedback. Think of feedback as an opportunity to improve rather than taking it personally. Here are some tips that show you the best way to react to feedback.
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Instructions
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Pause for a few seconds after you receive feedback. Avoid lashing out or becoming defensive. Take a deep breath and keep silent. This short pause allows you to maintain your composure and lets the other person give her view about the experience. It also shows that you can control your emotions when you are being criticized.
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Disconnect your emotions from the comments. Avoid focusing on the feelings that arise when you hear feedback and instead focus on the facts and words that you are hearing. This technique allows you to see the comments as objectively as possible so that you can pick up on valuable information.
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Listen to every word the other person is saying. Avoid thinking of a response because that is when you are most likely to miss crucial information that can help you avoid mistakes in the future or that can help improve your performance.
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Take full responsibility for your mistake if the feedback is accurate. Know that just because you acknowledge the error that you made does not make you an inferior person. Avoid blaming someone or something. Don't make excuses for your actions. If you feel it will make the situation better, offer an apology. Explain that you did not mean for your actions to lead to that result. Ask if they have any suggestions or ideas that can help you improve.
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State that you are eager to improve your performance in the future once the person has finished talking. If you can, describe the corrective actions that you will be taking to avoid making the same error.
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Acknowledge the person's feedback. Thank the other person for providing valuable information and state that you will consider her suggestions. This demonstrates that you have leadership qualities because you use feedback as a way to improve your performance. State that you are open to listening to other feedback that she may have in the future.
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Tips & Warnings
Seek out feedback as much as possible. The information you learn provides valuable insights that can make a big difference in your performance.
