How do you align feedback with your values?

1 Identify your values

Your values are the core beliefs and principles that guide your decisions and actions. They reflect what matters most to you and what you stand for. Before you seek or receive feedback, you need to have a clear understanding of your values and how they relate to your career. For example, if you value creativity, innovation, and autonomy, you might seek feedback that helps you improve your skills, generate new ideas, and work independently. On the other hand, if you value collaboration, service, and impact, you might seek feedback that helps you build relationships, meet customer needs, and contribute to a larger mission.

2 Assess the source

Not all feedback sources are equally credible, relevant, or constructive. You need to assess the source of the feedback and consider their perspective, motivation, and expertise. For example, your boss might have a broader view of your performance and expectations, but might also have a bias or agenda. Your peers might have a closer view of your work and skills, but might also have a competitive or personal interest. Your clients might have a direct view of your value and results, but might also have a limited or subjective experience. Yourself might have an honest view of your strengths and weaknesses, but might also have a distorted or harsh perception.

3 Compare the feedback

Once you have received feedback from different sources, you need to compare and contrast the feedback and look for patterns, gaps, or discrepancies. For example, you might notice that some feedback is consistent across sources, which might indicate a common theme or issue. You might notice that some feedback is contradictory across sources, which might indicate a difference of opinion or expectation. You might notice that some feedback is missing from some sources, which might indicate a lack of awareness or communication.

4 Align the feedback

After you have compared the feedback, you need to align the feedback with your values and goals. You need to decide which feedback is most relevant, useful, and actionable for your career development. You need to prioritize the feedback that aligns with your values and helps you achieve your goals. You need to reject or ignore the feedback that conflicts with your values or hinders your progress. You need to balance the feedback that challenges your values or pushes you out of your comfort zone.

5 Apply the feedback

Finally, you need to apply the feedback in a meaningful and effective way. You need to translate the feedback into specific and measurable actions that will improve your performance and satisfaction. You need to set realistic and achievable targets and timelines for implementing the feedback. You need to monitor and evaluate your progress and outcomes. You need to seek and celebrate feedback that confirms your improvement and success.

Feedback is a powerful tool for your career growth, but only if you align it with your values. By following these strategies, you can filter and apply the feedback you receive from different sources and make the most of it for your career development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?