What are effective strategies for receiving and acting on feedback?

1 Adopt a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop your abilities and skills through effort, feedback, and learning. It helps you see feedback as an opportunity to improve, not as a threat or a judgment. To adopt a growth mindset, focus on the process, not the outcome, of your work. Embrace challenges, mistakes, and failures as learning experiences. Seek feedback regularly and proactively, and appreciate the value it brings to your team.

2 Listen actively and empathically

When you receive feedback, listen actively and empathically to the person giving it. Active listening means paying attention, asking questions, clarifying points, summarizing what you heard, and acknowledging the feedback. Empathic listening means trying to understand the perspective, emotions, and intentions of the person giving feedback. It helps you build trust, rapport, and respect with them. Avoid interrupting, arguing, defending, or dismissing feedback, as these behaviors can damage your relationship and prevent you from learning.

3 Evaluate feedback critically and objectively

Not all feedback is equally useful, relevant, or accurate. You need to evaluate feedback critically and objectively to decide what to do with it. Consider the source, context, purpose, and evidence of the feedback. Is it from someone who has expertise, experience, or insight into your work? Is it based on facts, data, or observations, or on opinions, assumptions, or preferences? Is it consistent with other feedback you have received, or does it contradict it? Is it specific, actionable, and constructive, or is it vague, general, and negative? Based on these criteria, you can prioritize, accept, or reject feedback.

4 Respond positively and professionally

How you respond to feedback can affect your reputation, relationships, and results. Respond positively and professionally to feedback, whether you agree with it or not. Thank the person giving feedback for their time, effort, and honesty. Express your appreciation for their feedback and your willingness to learn from it. If you have questions or concerns, ask them politely and respectfully. If you disagree with feedback, explain your reasoning and provide evidence or examples. If you need time to process feedback, ask for it and follow up later.

5 Implement feedback effectively and efficiently

Feedback is only valuable if you act on it. Implement feedback effectively and efficiently to improve your performance and achieve your goals. Identify the key points, suggestions, or recommendations from the feedback. Create a plan to implement them, with specific actions, deadlines, and measures. Communicate your plan to the person giving feedback and ask for their support or guidance. Monitor your progress and track your results. Seek feedback again to see if you have improved or need to adjust your plan.

6 Share feedback constructively and respectfully

As a team member, you also have the responsibility to give feedback to others. Share feedback constructively and respectfully to help them grow and succeed. Choose the right time, place, and mode to give feedback. Be clear, specific, and factual, not vague, general, or personal. Focus on the behavior, not the person. Use positive and negative feedback in balance, and highlight strengths and opportunities. Use the sandwich method: start with praise, then give constructive criticism, then end with praise. Ask for feedback on your feedback and learn from it.

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?