Feedback Helps Drive Improvement

Receiving feedback is part of any job and plays a significant role. Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate constructive criticism and use it to my benefit. Especially in F1, when so many people are relying on you to perform at your best each and every day.

I’ve outlined some of my learnings below on how to take feedback, deal with it and then drive it.

Taking feedback like a pro

Feedback is only useful if you are proactive with it.? When feedback is given from friends and family, colleagues, coaches or mentors know that it comes from a good place and it is a means for improving. In my younger racing days when I first moved to Europe, I felt a lot of pressure to succeed and as a result the guidance and criticism was often hard to take.? However, these earlier experiences taught me that those who share it care and want me to thrive.

When receiving feedback, it’s important to be open minded and give my full attention. Actively listening shows respect to the person giving you feedback and a willingness to make improvements. If I’m unsure about anything, I’ll ask questions so I understand the full intent of the feedback. Next time you’re given feedback, be engaged - no doubt you'll experience some positive outcomes.

?At the same time, it’s important to recognise that whilst those who personally give you feedback have the best of intentions, it can also come from different angles including social media.? I find it helps to filter the noise, this means taking control and being strategic on what I choose to take on board. By knowing I can take control of the type of feedback, I am more confident and motivated in my decisions.

Dealing with constructive criticism

Negative feedback is valuable, it helps us improve and then perform better, but processing and dealing with constructive criticism is not always easy. My motto is that there’s always something you can do to improve. I’ve learnt that negative feedback isn’t a personal attack, so I never let it take me off track or lower my self-confidence. I remove the emotions from the situation by remaining calm, taking a deep breath and acknowledging how it can work in my favour. I don’t expect a pat on the back, and unless I’m in pole position, I anticipate critiques. In order to improve I have to put the work in.

Debrief and take action

So, I’ve been given constructive criticism, what do I do with it? Following the conversation, I take a pitstop and digest what I’ve learned. It’s important not to rush a response or a solution. For instance, if a race doesn’t go well, the team and I will debrief on the Sunday night - I’ll ask questions, take all the learnings onboard and understand what needs improvement. Reflecting also helps me determine what to take on board and what I park. Then after a good night’s rest, I can start putting the feedback received into action by assigning myself with tasks to complete. This helps ensure I move in the right direction.?

Feedback is the gift that keeps on giving - positive feedback is encouraging whilst constructive criticism can be a bit harder to digest. Acknowledging feedback generally comes from a good place really helps me, and I always embrace the critiques even if I’m not winning. Remember you also have the power to choose what you do and do not take onboard. Once you have been blessed with useful feedback, use it productively and focus on improving.