Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,130- June 24, 2026

Someone unsubscribed to this newsletter years ago with the no-so-helpful feedback: "annoying." (Okay, so you can't win them all!) 

But simply saying something is annoying offers no help whatsoever. Which got me thinking about feedback and the importance of taking responsibility as the person on the receiving end of feedback. 

Creating a culture of honest feedback helps create high-performing teams and it helps all of us get better at our jobs. Surveys suggest that while the majority of employees (84%) say they want to improve their performance at work, most consider feedback about as fun as a root canal with a jittery dentist. In fact, heart rates increase in people on both sides of a feedback conversation! So, here are nine tips on how to manage a feedback conversation when you are on the receiving end.

1. If you don't want unsolicited feedback (and really, who does?) then speak up! You can always reschedule a meeting if and when you are ready to accept the person's feedback.

2. Don't ask for feedback if you're not ready to hear some uncomfortable truths, so have a clear goal in mind before asking for feedback.

3. The environment matters: Choose a neutral, comfortable location.

4. Know that it's no picnic for the person giving the feedback either, so the more you put them at ease, the more likely it is you'll get better quality feedback.

5. Set parameters. Be specific about what you want feedback on and what is out of bounds. Come with prepared, specific questions in mind to help guide the conversation. Focus on feed-forward (what you need to change in the future) and don't forget to ask for the positives as well.

6. Ask follow-up questions for clarity. Try not to make one of them, "Oh yeah, says who?" 

7. This one is easier said than done: Adopt an open mindset. Listen without judgement and reaction. Don't take it personally - the feedback should be focused on behaviors you can change, 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 digest the feedback. And never, ever give the feedback provider a wedgie or a noogie, no matter how tempted you are.  

8. Turn asking for feedback into a habit. The more often you ask for feedback, the easier it gets to hear it. 

9. Pack your sense of humor!