You're struggling to improve your language skills at work. How can you use feedback effectively?

Lately, when I started to delve into professional world I found that language ability is the key of effective communication. It helps me to share my ideas clearly and to 'be friends' with collagues at all levels. Here's how I overcome my language struggles: 1. Seek specific feedback: Ask for details intead of general comments of where I can improve 2. BE OPEN. Accept critism doesn't make me looked fool, It helps me analyze which area I need to learn more 3. Actively listen and practice :)

When seeking feedback on your L2 skills, I think it’s important to reach out to someone you know and have a friendly relationship/close acquaintanceship with. These sorts of people are better prepared to provide accurate, tailored, and honest observations to you as compared so someone you know casually or strictly professionally.

I would say that more than actively seeking comments, you should look for reliable and credible information, and based on that, seek opinions on the subject. This will allow you to make decisions that are aimed at improving your linguistic skills. Obviously it's important to take the initiative by asking for specific advice about your speech or writing. Nowadays questions cannot always be asked in person but also digitally. A qualified supervisor who is fluent in the language will be able to answer you. The comment questions must be very specific since the pronunciation questions are different from the grammar or vocabulary questions.

Both criticism and the reception of criticism must be carried out in good faith and good will. Yes, criticism when it is positive is not a reflection of its value but rather a tool for improvement. Getting defensive is a sign of weakness. The most important thing is to be aware that there is a problem, that means 50% of solving the problem, and the other 50% will be making the criticism viable, transforming it into an improvement milestone. It is important to realize the errors and be aware of them so that when you receive feedback you can correct them appropriately and in a timely manner. An error not corrected in time can be a long-term problem. Feedback is a sign of growth mindset and willingness to evolve your language skills.

Please analyse feedback carefully, just because someone says something, does not make it true. You know yourself your strengths and weaknesses. If feedback about your language you receive aligns with your own goals, then take it on board, if not, then say thank you and don't worry about it. Also remember, communicating is the main goal of learning a language, and if you're doing that, you're already winning. Most people, who are not language teachers, will not be able to provide adequate feedback on your language skills, so please use your own knowledge of your ability to identify which feedback to take on board or contact a trusted language teacher to help you identify areas to work on and tools to help you reach your goals.

The analysis of the feedback will only occur to the extent that there is a clear identification of the problem. Well, feedback is supposed to solve that problem. As I said, a recurring problem must be resolved as soon as possible so that it becomes an eternal problem. Feedback will be valuable if it is directed at that particular problem although often there is an intrinsic relationship between vocabulary and grammar problems. Request clarification is important and the sender of the feedback must clarify with illustrative examples. Analysis helps but applying the advice or feedback is a personal responsibility.

An important thing to consider here is that some of the potential goals are not necessarily realistic for everyone or necessary in the first place. For example, your accent should not be seen as something to be ashamed of but rather seen as a badge of honour that highlights your own path of self-improvement and development. Yes, there are some limits here too, and you need to learn the appropriate intricacies of the language and properly apply them. So, structure your goals, plan them out, but remember that being unique is a good thing.

Taking time to reflect on your progress and what you're working towards can be very insightful. To be most effective, schedule time to reflect regularly. This can be done on a monthly, or 90-day basis, depending on your personal goals.