Do you dread receiving feedback?…
You’re not alone!
Many professionals struggle with the discomfort of feedback, unsure of how to navigate it effectively.
Feedback can make you feel vulnerable, judged, and exposed. That’s normal…
I personally believe that feedback is a gift. As an executive coach, my first step when working with a client is to set up a feedback assessment so they can better understand how they are being perceived by people who matter to them, and then we match that up to how they believe their current personal brand comes across.
And it’s also a great starting point when you want to grow and move forward in your career.
Feedback is a basis for improvement — personal or professional. While it can be intimidating and off-putting to ask for and receive feedback, the power of another person’s perspective is a tremendous ingredient for a successful career.
We can’t possibly see ourselves the way others see us. While it is most important to assess the feedback of our target audience, how we respond and react to it is where we create opportunities for our careers.
Conquering feedback
Understand that you are in control over what you do with the feedback received.
You don’t have to act on any of it, if you choose not to. If the feedback is helpful and offers insight into how you can grow your relevancy to your employer, your clients, your colleagues or others in your target audience, then it’s worth considering how you can adapt to the suggestions.
When feedback hurts
Many clients tell me they sometimes feel “gut kicked” by how others perceive them. Maybe they’ve overheard gossip, or receive harsh feedback directly to their face. It’s only natural to feel surprised or hurt. We might think we are authentic, inclusive, giving, loving, etc., and when someone indicates we are perceived the opposite, it can shatter our sense of self as we know it.
Removing the emotion from the feedback helps!
While not all feedback is negative — and the positive insights you receive can affirm you’re showing up as you intend! — the power of feedback is in it’s power to move us forward in our career.
Want to learn more? Watch this video
