Each of us, irrespective of what we do in life (unless we have renounced everything), need feedback to find out how well we are progressing. Only people who genuinely care about our well being would take the effort of giving us feedback. Feedbacks are really a reflection of the impression that others have have formed on us. It is in our interest, therefore, to seek feedback regularly and welcome every feedback that comes our way.
Sometimes we may get appreciation and praise from others. At such times, it is important to retain our poise and listen carefully. Our mind should distinguish the genuine admiration from the flattery. We must make it a point to mentally reconfirm whether we share the same belief and, if required, seek clarifications and examples of instances. We should also not brush away praise by appearing too modest.
Usually, we get feedback on our deficiencies and on occasions where we have faltered. The natural reaction, during such times, of defending ourselves needs to be curbed. We should be alert to both the spoken as well as the unspoken words and hear intently to get the full import of the message. Our body language should convey an openness to receiving the feedback. By asking suitable questions, we should remove any lingering doubts on the feedback received.
We must end each feedback session with a heartfelt thanks to the person communicating. Where we agree with the negative feedback, we must quickly admit and respond on how we plan to improve. If we have a different view, we could keep that for discussion at a different time. Listening without defending does not mean we are in agreement with the feedback. In every case, our words and actions should clearly indicate that the message was well received and we have gratitude to the giver.
"Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning" - Bill Gates
5 comments:
"Listening without defending does not mean we are in agreement with the feedback"Very true but often misunderstood by the opposite side.The post is unexceptionable and very relevant for success in life.
Indeed Sir! I believe that the best thing that anyone can give me is good advise and meaningful feedback!
Everybody needs feedbacks..A positive feedback can give us a lot of inspiration and increase our self confidence whereas a negative feedback helps us to improve ourselves and must be welcomed as a learning process..
Tyaagi
Positive or negative, feedbacks are always good to hear, at the same time, we should have the capability to discern and take the best.
Thanks for the valuable thoughts Vish :-)
Very relevant...
If we focus on the non-verbal communication, even that is a good source of feedback.
At a personal level, I have found my effort to get feedback from my family very effective. I find both my son and wife are the best critics, and are frank in their feedback :)
Apart from the utility, an open (quite democratic)culture prevails at home !
Feedback, at times, come unsolicited too :)
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