Someone unsubscribed to my newsletter with the rather unhelpful feedback: "annoying." Now they may have just spelled 'adorable' wrong, but okay... fine... you can't win them all! Of course, simply saying something or someone is "annoying" offers no specific or constructive help whatsoever. Which got
me thinking about the importance of how we receive feedback at work.
Creating a culture of honest feedback where everyone openly gives and receives constructive, actionable feedback helps create high-performing teams and helps all of us get better at our jobs.
So, here are
seven ideas on how to accept feedback like a pro:
1. If you don't like receiving unsolicited feedbackor the timing isn't right,tell them! You can always reschedule a meeting for when you are ready to accept the person's feedback.
2. Have a clear goal in mind before asking for feedback. Set parameters. Be specific about what you want feedback on and what is out of bounds. Come with specific questions in mind to help guide the conversation. Focus on feed forward - what behaviors you need to change in the future. And if they are squawking like a seagull and crapping all over you then ask them for some positive feedback as well!
3. Know that it's not easy for the person giving the feedback either (heart rates increase in people on both sides of a feedback conversation), so the more you can put the other person at ease, the more likely it is you'll get better quality feedback and have a more honest conversation.
4. Ask
follow-up questions for clarity. (Try not to make one of them, "Oh yeah, says who?")
5. Adopt an open mindset. Listen without judgement and reaction. Don't take it personally. It's not a personal attack, even though it can sometimes feel that way. If needed, call for a break and reschedule after you've had time to process the feedback. And never, ever give the feedback provider a wedgie no matter how tempting.
6. Don't feel you have to accept all the feedback! While we should strive to keep an open mind and listen to what the feedback is telling us (maybe I am annoying?), remember that this is just one person's perspective, and
they may not be right!
7. Turn asking for feedback into a regular habit. The more often you ask for it, the easier it gets.
Mike's Fun at Work Tip
I'm going to write a book about all the things I should have done with my life. Yes, it's an oughtabiography.
So, on that note, here's a meeting/networking icebreaker question: "What would the title of your
autobiography be?"
Quote of the Week
As seen on a store window:
"Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. So whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart."
Funny Business
As seen on a safety sign:
"Warning: Jumping Into Toxic
Waste
Does NOT Give You Superpowers"
Cost-Saving Opportunities to Book Michael
Saskatoon: April
15-18
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Saskatoon: May 12-15
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Saint John, NB: June 1-10
England/Wales: June 15-30
Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results Small Moments, Big
Outcomes.
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