How can you use feedback to develop public service and government skills?

To develop public service and government skills, it is important to be open to feedback and use it to improve. For instance, to develop problem-solving skills, you can get good at identifying an issue, analyzing it, and finding potential solutions. Using methodical approaches ensures that you are rigorous in your analysis of problems.

In my esteemed role at MTA - LIRR, feedback is a cornerstone for my professional development. Supervisor feedback on critical projects like the Trapeze/Signature Rail enhances my strategic and project management skills. Customer feedback is pivotal in evaluating the impact of my operational decisions and guiding service improvements. Self-reflection, especially during challenging times, aids in personal growth, helping me to pinpoint strengths and areas for development. Both positive and negative feedback from various sources play a crucial role in continuous improvement, reinforcing my strengths and highlighting areas for growth. Embracing this feedback is essential for adapting to the dynamic and improving operational efficiency.

Feedback is crucial in public service for learning, behavior adjustment, and goal achievement. It boosts motivation, confidence, and job satisfaction. For instance, in my MTA - Long Island Rail Road role, feedback improves communication skills, enhancing clarity and persuasion. It sharpens analytical thinking for problem-solving and solution development. Additionally, it aids in planning and organizing, ensuring effective goal-setting and progress tracking. Feedback also refines performance to meet standards and deadlines, aligning with public service needs.

Actively seeking feedback is essential, especially in less direct environments. I can request feedback from supervisors, peers, and customers, focusing on specific tasks or overall performance. Utilizing various communication methods like emails, phone calls, or online surveys is effective. Practicing the feedback exchange by giving and receiving constructive feedback helps build a culture of open communication. Observing verbal and non-verbal cues from others and assessing the outcomes of my actions are also valuable for gaining insights. These strategies are crucial for continuous improvement and adapting to the evolving demands of my role.

In my experience, it's one of those areas that you can't fake it! What I mean is your attitude should show that you care about the feedback received from clients. ??For example, if your clients are giving you feedback on how ugly your website is, hire a professional designer and make some changes. Even the minor ones. In this case, you show your clients: - I listen to you - I take actions - I came up with a better product based on your feedback That is how one shows they care about feedback.

Effectively using feedback in my role at MTA - Long Island Rail Road involves several key steps. Active listening and acknowledgment are crucial when receiving feedback, helping to understand it without defensiveness—critical analysis and evaluation during reflection help distinguish actionable insights. Implementing changes or improvements suggested in the feedback is essential, and doing so promptly prevents progress hindrances. Setting clear goals, creating realistic plans, and maintaining persistent efforts ensure that feedback translates into tangible performance enhancement and growth. This method not only boosts my current performance but also aids in my long-term professional development.

Feedback can be hard to hear and internalize, especially if you’re not used to getting it very often. If this is you, remember: feedback is a gift. It’s the gift of a view into someone else’s perception of you and/or your abilities and while you may not agree with it or even find it valid, it’s important to remember that the person giving you that feedback is speaking a truth as they see it (even if you disagree) and that information about how you’re viewed by someone else is very powerful.

In my role at MTA - Long Island Rail Road, real-life examples highlight the practical impact of feedback. Applying feedback to my project management during the Trapeze/Signature Rail project improved execution and team coordination significantly. Feedback during crises like Hurricane Sandy was invaluable in refining my crisis management skills. Insights often come from unexpected sources, such as daily commuters, providing unique perspectives on operational efficiency. These experiences underscore the importance of feedback not just for professional development but also for personal growth, demonstrating its multifaceted value in a dynamic environment like public transportation.