Receiving feedback as a GIFT

In order to give great feedback, we need to first learn how to receive it. That’s why the first step in this journey is about accepting feedback as a GIFT.

When someone gives you feedback, It may not feel positive and may seem unfair. But what if they didn’t give you feedback? You would never know that you have affected them in that way. And you wouldn’t have the chance to learn and think about doing things differently.

Thanking the other person acknowledges it can take courage in sharing feedback. This may be difficult but changing your perspective in this way can help make receiving feedback a more positive experience for you.

There may be something you could do better, or perhaps you’ve been misunderstood. Whichever, the feedback is still new information that you can choose how you use. We are only aware of 20% of how we come across to others. So, whatever your view on the situation, their feedback has given you a new level of self-awareness you did not have before.

• Listen – give them a chance to fully describe their experience
• Be curious – this is a new perspective you can learn from
• Empathise – step into their shoes for a minute
• Choose – you can choose to take it as an insult, or as constructive feedback. Only you are responsible for your reaction.

We all have different perspectives. There are always two sides to a story. You can leave any defensive reactions for a moment, and respect what is true for them.