How good are you at handling feedback when it hits a nerve? When feedback feels more like an attack than constructive advice, it’s natural to feel defensive.
Picture this feedback as a rough diamond. It’s abrasive at first, but underneath, there may be something super valuable. So, will you confront it to discover its value, or shy away and let it tarnish your confidence?
Think of the most successful leaders you admire. Every one of them has gotten tough feedback. So, what if this feedback is the key to unlocking your next success?
Your ability to handle feedback effectively can set you apart as a leader. It not only improves your performance but can inspire your team to do the same.
In this episode, I’ll share strategies to help you maintain composure and extract the insights that will help you make the most of a difficult situation.
Navigating the Feedback Maze
How often have you found yourself stunned by feedback? We’ve all gotten feedback that feels conflicting, confusing, or confronting.
It’s good to take a breath and remember that feedback is merely data. It is not an absolute truth. It’s also not an indictment of your abilities or a directive you have to follow without question.
That said, it may be one of your greatest resources. If you were the captain of a ship at sea, you’d rely on your crew for feedback. They keep you up to speed on navigation, weather conditions, and engine performance. You can ignore this feedback, but it can lead to disaster.
The Power of Reflection
So, let’s pause and reflect: What are the benefits and consequences of ignoring feedback?
While it may seem tempting to ignore feedback, this approach can create a false sense of security since you avoid immediate discomfort and potential confrontations. But these benefits are short-lived, and they often result in missing opportunities for growth.
Consider this: A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that 80% of executives who fail to get or act on feedback experience career stagnation.
So, ignoring feedback isn’t just a personal choice. Disregarding feedback can set off ripples of underperformance. Your team might feel undervalued and less inclined to tell you what’s really going on. This type of disengagement can make teamwork, productivity and innovation plummet.
Reframing Feedback: From Threat to Opportunity
Let’s reframe the narrative. If you accept the idea that feedback is not an attack on your abilities but an opportunity for growth, you can start by asking yourself these questions:
- What value can I extract from this feedback?
- How can I use this information to improve my leadership?
- What are the potential long-term benefits of embracing this feedback?
Embracing feedback can be hard, especially when it touches on sensitive areas. But the ability to transform even the hardest feedback into something constructive is what sets great leaders apart. How the heck do you do that? Let’s break it down into actionable steps to help you embrace feedback:
- Sit with the Feedback: Take time to absorb the initial sting. Step away from your desk if you can. When ready, consider the feedback’s potential impact. This isn’t about agreeing with it instantly, it’s about understanding its core.
- Identify Consequences: Consider your options. Among them, imagine the future implications of ignoring the feedback vs. acting on it.How might it affect your team, your performance, and how you want to be known?
- Engage in Dialogue: Approach the feedback giver with genuine curiosity. Ask open-ended questions to better understand their perspective. And thank them for being willing to have this conversation with you.
- Implement Changes: Create a clear, step-by-step plan to address the feedback. Make your actions visible and transparent. This not only holds you accountable but also sets a positive example for your team.
I’ll leave you with this homework: Over the next two weeks, keep track of all the feedback you receive. Note your initial reactions and any thoughts that follow. At the end of the two weeks, review your notes for common themes or patterns. What do these trends reveal about your leadership style? Where are areas where you want to improve? Extra ninja-level bonus points: Share these insights with a coach or mentor and create a clear action plan.
Are you feeling undermined by feedback that seems more politically motivated than constructive? You are not alone. Episode 38, “3 Steps for Ops Execs to Rebuild Confidence after Political Setbacks,” offers practical strategies to regain your professional footing. Discover how to navigate through the storm and emerge stronger. Listen in at yourfuturerealized.com/38.
You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.
