What do you do if you receive feedback as an Automotive Engineer that you strongly disagree with?

Pay attention ,Listen to what's being said then bring up my Idea as a suggestion and allow dialogue to make sure all parties are satisfied.

When you receive feedback that you don't agree with, your first instinct might be to defend your work. However, it's important to take a step back and listen carefully. Pay attention to what's being said and try to understand the reasoning behind the feedback. Sometimes, the issue may stem from a misunderstanding or a difference in perspective. By listening, you show respect for the other person's viewpoint and open up a space for constructive dialogue. It also gives you time to process the information and prepare a well-thought-out response.

Remember the words of Peter Drucker: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." Listening first is key. It helps you understand the feedback's essence and clears up misunderstandings. Moreover, in the automotive realm, precision and innovation matters, and good listening can uncover valuable insights, making collaboration smoother and outcomes better.

Definitely listen. Sometimes, we presume and assume a lot of things that make us want to defend our work. Everyone has a different way of giving feedback. Therefore, the first thing you should do is do nothing. Now, listen, listen, and listen. As you're listening, note down all feedback in great detail. Once a person is finished giving you feedback. Reply to what you disagree with, point by point using the notes you took. This is key to understanding the feedback more thoroughly. The truth, perspective, and the history of your results. All of these elements play a role in how people give you feedback. So Listening, taking notes, and asking questions is the best thing you can do for yourself and the team. Otherwise, you cannot grow.

It's quite common to receive feedback that is against your opinion or output. Learn to understand the reasoning behind their feedback which helps us understand the statement. What are the examples or scenarios which have led them to believe that is not right about your approach or solution. Then provide a clear and concise counter to their problems including the caveats (conditions, assumptions) to your solution. This method of seeking clarification will sort their doubts and establishes your rapport as a technically and emotionally sound engineer

Reflection is powerful! We are supposed to learn from all of our experiences, the good and the bad. Yet, there are so many lessons that we fail to learn that are hidden within our experiences. This is why actively reflecting on our past experiences allows us to remember them, reinforce them in our heads, and act on the good parts of them. This is a powerful way to improve and stay at the cutting-edge of greatness and brilliance, all while pushing our limits bit by bit.

Yes, listen very closely and objectively analyze what is being proposed. Effectively communicate your position. 1) Defer the whole argument/disagreement to the facts. This diffuses the conversation to a productive dialog and will potentially reduce emotional responses. 2) Summarize the facts together. No "drive-by" engineering - both stick around until each side is understood the other (agree or disagree). 3) Resolve the disagreement, it can be resolved in many layers, most commonly: get more data. Other potentials are: both are correct or partially correct, both are wrong.... 4) Keep it professional and productive, whether you are found correct or corrected. Again, emotions aside, the goal is solve the problem, not win the argument.