Feedback Management
We've all been on both ends of the feedback process. And we know just how crucial it is to take good feedback, but also how difficult it can be to manage and use it well. But there are ways to make it work. Here are three sure-fire techniques for managing feedback in your life:
1) Accept that mistakes happen: Nobody is perfect! Accepting that this is an inevitability will help you avoid feelings of guilt and shame when a mistake does inevitably happen. Instead, you'll be able to focus on the positive and look for opportunities for improvement without feeling like a failure.
2) Be honest with yourself and others: Take the criticisms you receive seriously. Ask yourself, "Can I do anything to make things better?" Don't wait for someone else to tell you how you can improve -- find out for yourself. If you need help or guidance, ask your manager or a trusted advisor.
3) Make it a goal to improve: Set an improvement goal each year and keep track of your progress toward meeting it. As a starting point for figuring out what aspects of your professional performance need attention, take a close look at your 360-degree feedback from the past year (assuming that feedback is available to you). You'll be better able to set the right goals if you know specifically what areas need improvement.
Now, let's talk about the toughest part of managing feedback - how to apply it in your life. The following suggestions will help you deal with both positive and negative feedback:
1) Use positive feedback to get a boost, then move on: It's nice to be told that you're doing a good job, especially if it comes from someone with influence over your career (such as your boss or an influential colleague). But the trick is not to dwell on any single piece of feedback or praise. Instead, use even the best forms of praise as "fuel" for greater performance. For example, if someone says you're doing a great job on a project, ask yourself what else you can do to improve.
2) When practical, take action: Give negative feedback directly (in person or over the phone), rather than waiting for it to come to you. And don't hold back. If you don't like the direction that your career is taking, tell your boss how you feel and suggest new paths in which to grow.
3) Don't be afraid to hear negative feedback: Feedback is generally intended to help you improve. If you don't receive specific suggestions as to how you can do that, take it as a sign that your manager doesn't think you're heading in the right direction.
4) Keep in touch with sources of information: This holds true whether the feedback comes from subordinates or superiors. In some jobs, such as those whose performance depends on relationships, it's crucial that individuals choose their own paths and forge their own networks of advice and support, rather than relying solely on those who might have positions of power over them.
5) Seek peer support: Find out the best ways to get open and honest feedback from your peers. These often include groups or professional organizations such as the American Management Association, which offers tools and resources for managing feedback. You can also check out sites such as Leadership IQ for helpful tips on how to get feedback from others.
6) Keep in touch with people who have given you great feedback: Remember that giving you helpful advice is a sign that they like working with you, so always keep them in the loop when it comes to job changes or new ventures.
7) Listen more than you speak: Interpret other people's comments within the context of their personality and background. Ask yourself whether they mean what they say, or if their comments might have a hidden meaning.
So, now that you know how to give and receive feedback, you'll always be prepared to make improvements that will help your career. Remember not to take all the criticism personally -- remember that it's intended for your best interest. If you follow the advice in this article, you'll find plenty of opportunities for growth and development. And when that happens, everyone wins!
About the Author: Paul Falcone works at Top Resume as a content writer where he writes articles on employment trends, hiring strategies and other workforce issues relevant to both job seekers and employers in today's job market. Follow @topresume on Twitter.
Related Posts: How to Review a Resume, Interview Preparation Does Not Have to be Stressful, and Top 5 Ways to Get Your Resume Past the Applicant Tracking System
ARTICLE END
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I am a career coach who helps people get jobs, specifically because of their resumes. I want to help you, too. Please don't forget to check out the Get Your Resume Ready to Hire series. In this series, I will be writing about some of the common problems we face when looking for jobs and strategies that you can use to get your resume ready for a job interview. If you've got any questions or comments, please leave a comment below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. And all comments will be moderated (and those that are rude or off-topic will simply be deleted). And don't worry, your email address will NEVER be displayed publicly on my blog so no spam from solicitors! Also, I offer resume critiques and resume coaching services.
Conclusion
As you can see, the "soft skills" of Soft Skills For Interviews Part 2: Communication Review much more crucial than you may have previously thought. With clear communication, you'll be your best asset in the interview.
You may also like: Career and Job Search Tips for 2015.
If you'd like some feedback on your resume, I offer a critique service where I review resumes for $69. Click here if you're interested in getting yours critiqued or resume coaching services from me. For more information about my coaching services click here . You can learn more about me at www.executiveresumewriters.com .
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Feedback Management