What do you do if you receive feedback that contradicts your perspective?

1 Listen First

When feedback contradicts your perspective, the initial step is to listen actively. This means giving the person providing feedback your full attention, acknowledging their points without immediately countering them, and resisting the urge to become defensive. By truly listening, you demonstrate respect and openness to different viewpoints, which is essential for healthy employee relations. It also provides you with a clearer understanding of the feedback, which is crucial for your next steps.

2 Reflect Objectively

Once you've heard the feedback, take time to reflect on it objectively. Consider the possibility that there may be merit to the points raised, even if they challenge your current beliefs or practices. Reflecting objectively can help you separate your emotional responses from the content of the feedback, allowing you to evaluate it based on its potential value rather than its impact on your ego.

3 Seek Clarification

If certain aspects of the feedback are unclear or seem unfounded from your perspective, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Engaging in a dialogue can uncover the root of the discrepancies between your viewpoints and can lead to a better understanding of each other's positions. It's important to ask questions in a non-confrontational way to maintain a constructive conversation and prevent misunderstandings.

4 Evaluate Fairly

After listening and reflecting on the feedback, evaluate it fairly against your own knowledge and experience. Consider whether there are aspects of your work or behavior that could be improved based on this feedback. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything said, but rather that you are assessing the feedback without bias and giving it the consideration it deserves.

5 Plan Action

If you find that the feedback has merit, plan a course of action. This could involve setting new goals, adjusting your approach to certain tasks, or seeking further development in specific areas. Taking action shows that you value the feedback and are committed to personal and professional growth. It also signals to others that you are a collaborative team player who is willing to make changes for the betterment of the team and organization.

6 Communicate Openly

Finally, communicate openly with the person who provided the feedback. Share your thoughts on what they've said, your plans for addressing any valid points, and any areas where you may still have differing opinions. Open communication can lead to ongoing constructive dialogue and can help strengthen relationships and trust within the workplace.

7 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?