Taking feedback

 

APRIL 18, 2012 Wednesday

Keep Your Cool When Getting Feedback

No one likes to hear that they aren't performing well. Yet, everyone can improve. Next time you receive constructive feedback, do these three things: Relax. It's understandable to be nervous during a feedback session. The other person holds all the power. Accept this imbalance and be easy on yourself. Expect to be surprised. You're likely to hear something that you weren't aware of. Perhaps something was a bigger deal than you thought, or something you thought was resolved wasn't. Don't be defensive. Even if you disagree, hold your tongue. Instead of defending yourself, ask questions. Once you've cooled down, you can always follow up.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Keep Your Cool During a Performance Review" by Robert M. Galford.