Here's how you can actively listen to feedback from others.

Most of the problems we suffer from are a lack of awareness and understanding of the problem due to the lack of discussion and listening to the origin of the problem. God created for us two minds and one tongue so that we can listen to much of what we speak.

For me listening, means to understand what the speaker said & after completion restate the statement what speaker said to reconfirm.

If you're in leadership, there's no more powerful message of humility than to ask SMEs for more clarification. Ask the 'dumb questions' and ask until you're positive that you can convey at least the critical details correctly, if not the nuance, because it will be your job to not only champion the feedback from your team, but to convey it with high fidelity. Everyone has experienced how frustrating it is to have someone butcher the points you were trying to make.

If you have any questions about what people are saying or what they mean, always ask them to clarify. There's no harm in asking someone to repeat themselves, say something again, or in a different way. If you don't get the clarity you need, you might face more issues in the long run, so it's better to ask as you go.

One thing I found interesting and useful is to try to give an example from your end once you have clarified those points that you are interested in. Sometimes, this helps the feedback providers feel appreciated and validated of what they have accomplished (most cases helping you), and such positive feedback loop is beneficial for both parties.

It may be possible that there could be some misunderstanding in grasping the points. Hence it is better to clarify politely and honestly. It not only makes the process smooth but also eliminates future misunderstandings going to come.

Controlling reactions when listening to feedback involves staying calm and composed, regardless of the content. Practice active listening by focusing on the speaker's words rather than formulating a response while they are talking. Avoid defensive body language, such as crossing arms or frowning, to create a more open and receptive environment. Take a moment to process the feedback before responding, ensuring your reaction is thoughtful and constructive.

This certainly is the hardest point within the feedback loop. It can be done but will need quite a bit practice to master it ??

Use the principles of emotional intelligence. Take a pause and think. It is always better to respond than to react. If you make this a habit it gets imbibed in your nature and definitely it helps.

Once done and before going into the planning phase. Please include in your a self diagnosis step Once you have identified and prioritized what you want to improve an where you are now. Ask yourself why. To make a change it is not enough to draw the goal, youll need yo be clear on what had been causing or preventing you of moving forward for an effective planning

Receiving professional feedback is an opportunity for growth and learning. Reflecting on the suggestions received can help us evolve, improve our skills, and achieve our goals more effectively. Self-analysis after feedback is the path to continuous development and professional enhancement.

It also pays to compare feedback you have received for some proper review and analysis. Is there a common trend or theme, how do I feel about all of those...

Self-introspection and mental churning is an effective tool. There is a nice brainstorming technique given in Vedic Bharatiya scriptures where people think peacefully by closing their eyes.

Reflecting deeply on feedback involves taking the time to thoughtfully consider the insights provided, without rushing to judgment. Analyze the feedback from multiple perspectives, contemplating its implications and potential impact on your work or behavior. Think about how the feedback aligns with your goals and values, and identify any patterns or recurring themes. Finally, use this reflection to inform your personal or professional growth, making deliberate changes based on the insights gained.

Please remember you can not plan actions to address all that you have identified or would like to improve. You can utilize the PICK matrix to help you prioritize the most impactful improvement/s that require the lease effort 1st, and work on it with small wins quickly... Build the momentum is the key...

Think and make an action plan on the changes to be done in behavior or skill enhancement. The systematic plan gives an outline and direction to proceed further.

Planning action based on feedback involves first thoroughly understanding the insights provided by asking any necessary clarifying questions. Next, prioritize the feedback by identifying the most critical areas for improvement. Develop a detailed action plan that outlines specific steps and timelines to address the feedback. Finally, communicate this plan to relevant stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in implementing the changes.

In my opinion, following up on feedback is a hallmark of professionalism and a key driver of project success. It shows that you value the input received and are committed to using it to improve your work. By following up, you close the feedback loop, ensuring that the feedback doesn't just end as a conversation but translates into tangible actions and outcomes. This not only builds trust and credibility with stakeholders but also contributes to a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the project team.