HOW CAN YOU GET BETTER AT RECEIVING FEEDBACK?

Feedback is defined as the exchange of information regarding both a person’s expected performance and their exhibited performance. An exchange of performance feedback usually happens between a manager and their employee, and allows the employee to use the information given to adjust and improve current and future actions and behaviours (Small Business).

As it currently stands, companies across the globe are moving towards having a performance feedback cycle which requires much time and effort from all managers, and their staff. This then poses the question, do employees really want performance feedback?

The answer to this question can be perceived as complicated because, naturally our brains don’t like receiving criticism, it can feel like a ‘threat to our survival’. That being said, according to the Harvard Business Review, 72% of the participants said they thought their performance would improve if their managers would provide corrective feedback. When you compare the results of those who prefer corrective feedback and those who would prefer recognition and praise, 57% would prefer receiving corrective feedback over recognition and praise.

Even though you may prefer receiving corrective feedback, are you always ready for potential criticism? With help from Office Vibe, I have some tips that could help you become better at receiving feedback from your managers:

1. Ask for feedback often: Ask to set up meetings regularly to discuss your performance, this could be once every quarter. You want to know if your weaknesses have improved and suggesting regular performance meetings evidences that you are keen to continually progress in your work.
2. Listen carefully: Like I previously mentioned, receiving feedback can feel like a ‘threat to our survival’ however, try not to justify any criticisms you are faced with, just listen to every word that is said and take time to reflect upon it. You can use feedback as an opportunity to grow, the person is probably telling you this because they want you to be the best you can be.
3. Embrace failure: None of us are perfect, as much as we wouldn’t like to admit it, and when you receive criticisms you need to embrace the fact that you can’t get it right all the time. This may be easier said than done but try to remember that the person discussing your failures will have had plenty of failures of their own. It’s all a part of growing as a person.
4. Focus on one thing at a time: We can’t juggle everything and trying to take on all the feedback at once can easily become confusing. Focus on each piece of feedback separately. This will allow you to make a clear plan of how you can improve for your next performance review.
5. Say thank you: Although you may have heard some things you didn’t want to hear, all of it will help you improve. Don’t become defensive about what you have been told, say thank you, and remember you are going to become a much better version of yourself in the near future.

Now when you know you have a performance review coming up, these tips may put you at ease. You just need to remember that everyone receives criticism because none of us are perfect. If you keep this in mind and think of it as an opportunity to grow, you’ll quickly become the best version of yourself!

Do you have any thoughts on how to become better at receiving feedback? Leave a comment below!