How can you use supervisor feedback to advance your career?

Understand the specific purpose behind the feedback. Is it related to skill development, performance improvement, or career progression? Clarify expectations and goals tied to the feedback to align your efforts with organizational objectives.

Receiving and effectively using supervisor feedback is a crucial aspect of professional development. Here's my take on how to leverage supervisor feedback to advance your career: 1. Suppose a supervisor provides feedback that your client communication skills can be improved. Instead of seeing it as a criticism, view it as an opportunity to grow. 2. Ask for specific instances that led to the feedback. This helps you understand the context and pinpoint areas for improvement. 3 Based on the feedback develop a plan. It could include activities like attending communication workshops, practicing mock client interactions. Last but not the least, Never forget to seek feedback from supervisor and colleagues on your progress.

If the purpose of the feedback session is not about growing the talent but to keep them stagnant at their position by pointing out only drawbacks of the work and giving more tasks then there is no need for such feedback. Feedback must be key to promotion or to give the valuable advice so that the employee fixes the shortcomings and becomes better and gets promoted next year.

In my journey as a pharmacist and digital health strategist, I've learned that feedback is a compass for growth. It's not just about hearing what you've done well or where you need improvement; it's understanding the purpose behind it. Early in my career, I sometimes misunderstood feedback as mere criticism. However, over the years, I've come to appreciate that it's a tool for continuous improvement. Every piece of feedback, whether positive or constructive, serves the purpose of refining my skills and contributing to the broader goals of healthcare innovation.

Understanding the intent behind supervisor feedback is crucial. It's not just about taking criticism or praise at face value but deciphering what it means for my personal growth and career trajectory. Whether it's praise or criticism, each piece of feedback is a building block in understanding my performance and how it aligns with organizational goals. I see feedback as an opportunity to reflect, refine my skills, and communicate better with my team. It's about continuous learning and adapting, ensuring that I'm not only meeting but exceeding expectations. By effectively utilizing feedback, I can strategically advance my career, leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses head-on.

Consider the credibility and expertise of the supervisor providing the feedback. Assess their familiarity with your role, responsibilities, and industry standards. Recognize the context in which the feedback is given, such as during regular performance reviews, project evaluations, or informal discussions.

Being a pharmacist and digital health strategist, I've been fortunate to work with diverse teams and supervisors. Each individual brings a unique perspective shaped by their experiences. When evaluating feedback, I consider the source's background and expertise. I've found that understanding their lens enhances the value of the feedback. It's not just about the words spoken; it's about deciphering the intention and aligning it with the broader vision of reshaping healthcare for the future.

Evaluating the source is vital for contextualizing feedback. A supervisor's input might align with company goals and personal growth, reflecting an authoritative perspective. Peers provide a collaborative view, emphasizing teamwork and interpersonal skills. Clients offer external insights on business impact. Each source varies in familiarity with your work and organizational influence. Understanding these aspects helps weigh the feedback's relevance and guides appropriate responses. It's about discerning which feedback to prioritize for career development, ensuring alignment with professional and organizational objectives, and enhancing work relationships for sustained career progression.

Having understood the intent of the feedback and the context of the source, you may of course decide to put it down. Not ALL feedback is useful to you in where you want to go. But before doing so, make an objective assessment.

Actively incorporate the feedback into your daily work and projects. Develop a plan for addressing areas of improvement suggested by your supervisor. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement by showcasing tangible changes based on the feedback received.

We all crave improvement and growth, yet when it comes to receiving feedback, many of us find ourselves in the defensive zone. It's a natural instinct to feel protective of our work, ideas, and actions, but the truth is, feedback is not synonymous with criticism. To truly evolve, we must shift our mindset, be ready to shed the armor of pride, and see feedback as a tool for our personal and professional development. Embrace the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and SMART work. This perspective allows us to view feedback not as a verdict on our capabilities but as an opportunity to enhance our skills and understanding.

Applying feedback effectively involves acknowledging it, seeking clarity, and creating actionable plans. Thank the source, ask for specifics if unclear, and reflect to identify improvement areas. Set SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound strategies based on the feedback. Regularly seek feedback to monitor progress and adjust tactics. Celebrate achievements and share insights with others, fostering a positive feedback culture. This continuous loop of applying, assessing, and adjusting based on feedback is crucial for ongoing professional development and career advancement.

Proactively request additional feedback on a regular basis. Encourage open communication with your supervisor, creating a culture where feedback is ongoing and constructive. Use feedback sessions as opportunities to discuss your career goals and solicit guidance on professional development.

Align with Career Goals: Connect feedback with your long-term career goals. Identify areas where improvement aligns with your aspirations and the organization's strategic objectives. Communicate with your supervisor about your career ambitions and inquire about opportunities for advancement that align with their feedback.

Asking for your supervisor’s advice will help with both in your current job and your next one. Your supervisor will give you pointers to be the best employee for the team and they can speak on your behalf on your work ethic and possible career options to others. Also having the support of a supervisor gives credibility about your character and skillset.

Seeking continuous feedback demonstrates proactivity and commitment to improvement. Choose an appropriate time and ask for feedback on specific areas. Engage in a two-way dialogue, offering feedback to your supervisor as well, which can enhance mutual understanding and performance. Listen actively and respectfully to the feedback provided, and follow up on it to show you value the input. Implement the feedback effectively and share your progress. Always express appreciation for the feedback received. This cycle of seeking, receiving, and acting on feedback not only helps in personal growth but also strengthens your professional relationships and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement.

Most trainings focus on how to give feedback at work (i.e. SBI, STAR, EEC), but often we don't focus on ways to thoughtfully receive or ask for feedback. If you're craving actionable feedback in your job, try proactively asking in a 1-1 or over a coffee. Let them know in advance you're hoping to learn from their insights, so they can prepare thoughtful answers. In that conversation, you can get more actionable feedback if you ask about specific scenarios or specific timeframes, rather than a broader "how am I doing overall?" From there, if they give you general answers, ask for examples or brainstorm through a similar scenario where you could apply that feedback. Later, show them how you've adapted your approach, thanks to their feedback!

Create a structured action plan based on the feedback received. Outline specific steps, timelines, and milestones for improvement. Consider seeking mentorship or coaching to support your development in areas identified by your supervisor. Regularly review and update your action plan to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Demonstrate Growth: Showcase your commitment to growth and development by highlighting improvements during subsequent performance evaluations. Provide evidence of how you've implemented feedback-driven changes in your work. Share success stories that illustrate the positive impact of feedback on your professional development.

Sun Tzu said, " Know thyself and thy enemy, and in 100 battles you will never be defeated. One needs to know their strength and weaknesses in order to progress in life. Only then you will know what to enhance on and what to address. Good luck!