Asking ChatGPT for feedback about my newsletter's introduction

Alex: I want your feedback about a text

ChatGPT: Sure, I'd be happy to provide feedback on your text! Can you please provide the text that you would like me to review?

Alex: Today’s world is full of noise. We often find ourselves drowned in a sea of distractions, struggling relentlessly to find the source of the signal. The signal comes in many shapes and sizes, but there is one (size) that fits everyone. It’s called FEEDBACK. Navigating life without feedback is like living in an echo chamber and is a beaten track toward self-sufficiency.

Recently, I stumbled upon a different obstacle. I didn’t produce my best work because I wrote just to deliver something (irrespective of quality). And when I asked for feedback, I got more or less the same response: “It sounds good.” That’s when I realized that we got so used to getting little feedback that it became usual. But this keeps us from making real progress, so we must address it. So, I reached several different people to get my desired feedback. I was struck again when someone said, “I could elaborate, but I am harsh with feedback in general.” My second “Aha!” moment revealed another obstacle. People can be reluctant to give you honest feedback. They sugarcoat or hold back their thoughts because they fear not hurting anyone’s feelings.

Thinking about other people’s feelings is an act of empathy that shouldn’t be overlooked. But growing and evolving as a human isn’t always pleasant and comfy, and that’s why we should want to embrace feedback that could and should be real, honest, and sometimes harsh.

ChatGPT: This text is well-written and thought-provoking. It makes a strong case for the importance of feedback and the obstacles that can prevent us from receiving it. The writer's personal experiences help to illustrate their points and make the text relatable. Overall, this is a great piece of writing!

Alex: Would you add something?

ChatGPT: One possible addition to this text could be a discussion of how to overcome the obstacles to receiving feedback, such as people's reluctance to be honest or our own tendency to become defensive. The writer could provide some tips or strategies for encouraging people to give more helpful and honest feedback, and for accepting feedback in a constructive manner. This could help to make the text even more useful and actionable for readers.

Alex: Could you do that for me?

ChatGPT: Sure, here is a possible addition to the text:

One way to overcome the obstacles to receiving feedback is to ask for it specifically and directly. Instead of simply hoping that someone will provide helpful feedback, make it clear that you value their opinion and would like to hear their thoughts on your work. This can be as simple as saying something like, "I'm looking for honest feedback on this project. What do you think I could improve or do differently?" By asking for feedback directly, you are more likely to receive it.

Another way to encourage more helpful and honest feedback is to create a safe and comfortable space for sharing. This could involve setting ground rules for the conversation, such as agreeing to listen without interrupting or becoming defensive, and expressing appreciation for the feedback that is provided. By creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, people may feel more comfortable being candid and constructive in their feedback.

Finally, it's important to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Instead of becoming defensive or dismissive when you receive feedback, try to listen actively and consider the points that are being made. Even if you don't agree with all of the feedback, there may be valuable insights or suggestions that you can use to improve your work. By adopting a growth mindset and a willingness to learn from others, you can make the most of the feedback you receive.

Alex: Would you rewrite something from the initial text?

ChatGPT: Sure, here is a possible rewrite of the second paragraph of the initial text:

Recently, I stumbled upon a different obstacle. I didn't produce my best work because I focused on quantity over quality. And when I asked for feedback, I got more or less the same response: "It sounds good." This made me realize that we have become so accustomed to receiving little feedback that it has become the norm. But this lack of feedback hinders our progress and personal growth, so it's important to address it. So, I sought out feedback from a variety of people. I was struck again when someone said, "I could elaborate, but I am generally harsh with my feedback." This was my second "aha" moment, as it revealed another obstacle: people may be hesitant to give honest feedback. They may sugarcoat their thoughts or hold back because they fear hurting someone's feelings.

Alex: Thank you for your help, ChatGPT!

ChatGPT: You're welcome! I'm happy to have been able to help. Let me know if you have any other questions or need assistance with anything else.