Self-Improvement: Receiving Feedback in the Workplace
by Some people do not want to receive feedback as they consider it “a criticizing session”. Others see it as another way to confirm their worthlessness.
Many only want to hear “the good stuff” and nothing more. And then there are those who want feedback and willing to accept it although it may be painful or disturbing, only because they believe they can benefit from it. Supervisors should always treat their staff with dignity and respect, and feedback should be given in a fitting manner. Employer should also accord their managers with similar respect and listen to what they have to say. Here are some tips on how to receive feedback:
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Don’t Be Defensive
Trying to justify your every action leaves you little time to see your supervisor’s point of view. Listen carefully to judge if the feedback is correct or misplaced. Clarify issues if necessary, and do not interrupt your supervisor as far as possible. You will have time to respond accordingly.
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Don’t Verbally Attack Your Supervisor
Getting personal may not be in your interest. Just stick to the facts and defend yourself, I you to have to, by clarifying your actions regarding specific events. Take feedback as a reflection of another person’s perspective. You might learn something about yourself.
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Don’t Shift the Blame
Blaming someone else is not the solution. If you believe that a colleague should be held accountable for something, ask that he be included in the dialogue session too. You don’t want to be accused later of having “stabbed someone in the back”
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Don’t Ignore Your Supervisor
Looking blankly at him while he is giving you negative feedback tells your supervisor that you are not interested in improving.
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Don’t Pretend to Listen
Giving the impression that you agree to what your supervisor is saying may seem like an easy way out, but is really does you no good. Your supervisor is hoping for a sincere effort from you to improve. It is better to ask him to specify exactly what he expects from you, rather than to nod in agreement. You don’t want to come back the next time and face the same criticism.
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Post Commentkhalina
On August 14, 2008 at 10:04 pm
this is nice.
PR Mace
On August 14, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Good advice. I have a manager that treats us all like children. She even wants us to call her Mama.She needs to read this article.
CHAN LEE PENG
On August 15, 2008 at 10:44 am
Good advice, thanks!
Josey
On September 23, 2008 at 4:20 am
Again, good advice. It is not always easy to hear that you need to improve, but it is necessary to be evaluated from time to time. We can not grow as professionals or individuals unless we seek to improve ourselves and it is important to remember that.
Kristie Claar
On August 12, 2011 at 10:08 am
great post