What do you do if your feedback is vague and unhelpful?

If you receive vague and unhelpful feedback, it can be frustrating, but it's essential to address the situation constructively. Here's what you can do:

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1. Seek Clarification: Reach out to the person who provided the feedback and ask for clarification. Politely express that you appreciate their input but mention that you would benefit from more specific details or examples to understand how to improve. For example, you could say, "Thank you for your feedback. I want to ensure I fully understand your perspective. Could you provide more specific examples or details?"

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2. Probe for Specifics: If the feedback giver struggles to provide specifics initially, gently prompt them with questions to help them articulate their thoughts more clearly. Ask about particular instances or behaviours they observed that led to their feedback. For instance, you could ask, "Can you recall a specific situation where you felt I could have improved? What actions or behaviours stood out to you?"

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3. Offer Suggestions: If the feedback giver still finds it challenging to provide specific examples, you can offer suggestions based on your own observations or insights. Propose scenarios or areas where you think you could improve and ask if they align with the feedback they provided. This can help guide the conversation and prompt more targeted feedback.

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4. Express Appreciation: Regardless of the clarity of the feedback, express gratitude for their willingness to provide input. Acknowledge their effort in trying to help you grow and improve, even if the feedback itself is vague. This fosters a positive relationship and encourages ongoing communication.

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5. Reflect and Act: Take the feedback you've received, even if it's vague, as an opportunity for self-reflection. Consider how you can apply the feedback to your work or behavior, even if you're unsure of the exact specifics. Look for patterns or recurring themes in the feedback you receive from others and use it as a guide for areas of improvement.

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6. Seek Feedback from Others: If you continue to struggle with vague feedback from one source, consider seeking feedback from others. Different perspectives can provide additional insights and help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of areas where you can improve.

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7. Provide Feedback Guidelines: In the long term, encourage a culture of constructive feedback within your team or organization by providing guidelines or training on how to give specific and actionable feedback. This can help improve the quality of feedback given and received by everyone.

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Remember that feedback, even if vague, is still valuable as it provides an opportunity for growth and improvement. Approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and use it as a stepping stone for personal and professional development.

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