Dealing with the Constructive Feedback

Feedback given to us at workplace is either positive or constructive. How we react to it ultimately decides the future progress not just in the individual’s performance but in the organization’s performance as well.
 
We all are usually founded holding back because of our natural tendencies. It could be like being defensive when someone is giving constructive feedback on our performances, or we tend to feel that the feedback giver is dominating as a professional or may be at a personal level. Although these are the misconceptions, the feeling of same is overpowering. We tend to take criticism personally and begin to internalize it.
 
The feedback in spite of given very skillfully is not interpreted in an ideal way. In these kinds of conditions every constructive feedback is taken as a negative one. This eventually hampers the purpose of giving feedback, which is to make the employees aware of gaps in their performance and directing them to the way of working and making things better. Constructive feedback has vital benefits not just from the employee’s point of view but from the organization’s point as well. It not only makes an employee aware about his personal performance but it also clears the picture of the progress of the organization. This makes it very important for the employees to understand its importance and make sure that it is being utilized wisely.
 
Here are some tips that can help you deal with the constructive feedback process:
 
  • Don’t stifle your emotions
It is not an ideal feeling to hear negative things about yourself. It has the power to upset you. To get upset is very reasonable but holding on to it isn’t. It is important to allow your emotions to subside before you take it forward. Emotions could be to anxiety, anger or injured ego. These feelings should be taken care of at the right time and to stifle them is not a great idea.
 
  • Focus on self-Improvement
Always take some time for yourself and ask what things can be corrected from your end that can potentially put you in a better position. Before reacting to the things that are being said to you or those which are not in your hand, make sure you are right on your part and you are working on areas that you are expected to improve in. It will enhance your self-confidence and will eventually help you deal with a constructive feedback process in a better manner.
 
  • Clarify
No matter what kind feedback is given to you, it is fundamental that you have thoroughly understood it and you are in a position to take the initiative to work on it. If the feedback given to you is not clear in your mind, it can never work in harmony. Make sure you clarify everything before the feedback process ends and ask questions in case of doubts. An unclear message will only lead to the workflow which is very unsuitable to the situation. Especially in case of constructive feedback, it is necessary to understand the scenario as our future actions will revolve around those development opportunities that are being discussed with you in the constructive feedback.
 
  • Don’t disparage/underrate
The discipline u project while receiving the constructive feedback is very critical. Sometimes we find people demonizing the feedback given to them and they start underrating the feedback giver for giving the constructive feedback. One should never neglect the fact that the feedback given to you is for your benefit and it should be taken seriously. The efforts of the feedback giver should always be appreciated and taken positively. Every area that is mentioned in the feedback needs your attention. Ultimately you are investing in yourself wisely only if you are focusing positively on the given feedback and working towards it.
 
  • Be clear about your priorities
There are plenty of things that are being said to you and are expected from you to work on. It is critical to give weightage to them and work accordingly. You cannot improve on all the areas simultaneously or rush on everything. Even if you prefer working on different things simultaneously, you may miss out things that need your full attention and you will end up not doing justice to that particular work. Prioritizing at workplace will only result in better outcomes.
 
  • There are no shortcuts to growth
You can grow in your professional life only if you project the right mindset and behavior towards every aspect of your responsibility. Especially the reviews and feedback given to you play a critical role in enhancing your growth and your career graph. You can only accelerate your productivity if you take every feedback in your stride and commit to work on it to deliver more effectively to not just to your organization but to your growth as an individual
HR Feedback Leadership Talent Development Feedback mechanism feedback process Change Management Constructive feedback Growth Performance Management Taking feedback