Speak up, listen up: feedback is a two-way street

Ever wondered how a simple ‘great job’ can brighten someone’s day or how a well-placed suggestion can kick-start a revolution of ideas?

Feedback is crucial for professional and personal growth. It allows individuals and organisations to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Whether giving or receiving feedback, it is important to approach the process with openness, clarity, and a constructive mindset, say experts.

In this edition of the Get Hired by LinkedIn News Asia newsletter, we dive into understanding the art of feedback with some practical tips that you can put into action today.

We also want to hear from you: In what ways has feedback shaped your personal and professional story? Share the most impactful ones in the comments below, using #GetHiredAsia.

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Intent matters

“Feedback, when given with the right intent , can build a person’s self-esteem, enhance their capability, and strengthen the bond you share,” says Shweta Sharma , non-executive director at Greenstone Pharmaceuticals.

According to Sharma, the secret to impactful feedback is intent. Here’s a model she uses to ensure her feedback makes a difference:

• Introspect: Reflect on your reasons for giving feedback. Is it to improve the situation? To help the other person? Or to make a point? If it’s the latter, reconsider.
• Noise: Distinguish the signal from the noise. Actionable feedback focuses on one of these three areas– style, capability or effort. Focus on actionable feedback, not personal perceptions.
• Take a breath: Ground yourself before the conversation. A mindful moment or two can put you in a mindset that helps you understand another person better, both prior to and during the conversation.
• Expect: Anticipate the other person’s reaction. Think about what they might expect from the conversation.?
• Nourish: Aim to genuinely nourish the other person. What can you say or do that will be beneficial for them in the long run??
• Table: When ready, invite the person to the discussion table. Don’t catch them off-guard. Knowing what to expect helps the right tone for a constructive feedback session.?

Keep it professional

Managing feedback effectively involves a few key steps , suggests branding and marketing consultant Valerie Chow .?

For the giver:

• It's important to keep emotions in check and avoid making it personal.
• Establish a clear framework. Recognise the current situation, the behaviours involved, and their impact.

After discussing and reaching a clear understanding, it's essential to ask, “What are the next steps?” This approach outlines the steps for providing constructive feedback.

For the receiver:

• Acknowledge the feedback: Listen actively to understand the issues being addressed.
• Reflect honestly: Consider the feedback thoughtfully. You can agree, disagree, or note certain points.
• Stay positive: Discuss the next steps and set a timeline for updates, viewing the feedback as an opportunity for growth.

Express gratitude: Be thankful for the feedback as it contributes to your career success.

Avoid defensive reactions

Feedback is essential for growth, but it must be handled with maturity to avoid defensive reactions, says Benjamin Ang - Insurance Industry Speaker and Advocate .

Here's what Ang has learnt to make giving and receiving feedback more effective over the years:?

• Go broad first: You may be giving feedback with good intentions, but if it is not in a formal setting or not asked for, people could just see you as a busybody. If the receiver values your feedback, they will naturally ask you to share more pointers with them. Otherwise, learn to keep your mouth shut.

Check if your student is ready: If you're the one giving feedback, know that it's ok to not take it personally if the student is not ready. If you’re the one receiving feedback, listen with an open mind and avoid being defensive.?

Listen and reflect

When receiving feedback, Anna Ong , founder of What's Your Story Slam, suggests:

• Listen actively: Absorb the feedback fully before responding . This mirrors how a character in a story pays attention to pivotal advice that alters their path.
• Reflect and act: Reflect on the feedback you receive and take actionable steps. Just as characters evolve through their journeys, use feedback for personal growth.

In what ways has feedback shaped your personal and professional story? Share the most impactful ones in the comments below, using #GetHiredAsia.

• The Science & Art Of Constructive Feedback : 莎曼勃士 , Singapore. Join the conversation.
• Embracing feedback : Regina Karlina , corporate talent management manager,
• Rodamas Group, Indonesia. Join the conversation.

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Want to learn more about how you can prepare yourself to thrive in the workplace of the future? Keep an eye out for the next edition of the Get Hired Asia newsletter in two weeks’ time. Make sure you never miss an issue by subscribing here .

Reported By: Neha Jain Kale – LinkedIn News Editor covering jobs and career development in Asia.

Editor’s Note: Some quotes were edited for length and clarity.