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Thursday's Thoughts

Tavia Robinson

“I think it’s very important to have a feedback loop, where you’re constantly thinking about what you’ve done and how you could be doing it better.”

-Elon Musk


How do the words above resonate with you?


Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:


Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...


On a scale if 1 to 10, how important is feedback to you? Think about that for a moment

Something else to consider...


How well do you handle feedback from others? Give this some honest thought...


feedback /noun/

information about a person's performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement.


When giving feedback, how constructive are you?


A culture where people practice giving and receiving feedback every day can be so powerful. Yet, very little training is given to these crucial skills in traditional educational settings. There is value in receiving constructive feedback and a skillful art to sharing feedback to others. Take a look at this article from Forbes Magazine below:


How To Give And Receive Feedback To Strengthen Your Work

by Jaime Hunt, forbes.com


Resistance to giving and receiving feedback often leads to work that is weaker than it could be. No one individual holds all the answers, and more voices at the table can strengthen ideas.


1. Receiving feedback:


It is a sign of great maturity and emotional intelligence to accept input and ideas from others. It demonstrates you understand the value of an external perspective.


Defensiveness often rests at the center of the feedback problem. Feeling personally connected to your work reflects passion and commitment. Being invested is important, perhaps even critical to producing excellent work. Rather than quashing that sense of ownership, look at it with a new lens:


Your work is strong, but can an outside perspective make it stronger?


When you feel yourself becoming defensive:

  • Pause and observe your internal reaction.

  • Ask yourself why you are feeling the way you do and then consider if your reaction reflects reality.

If the feedback feels irrelevant:

  • Does it offer a perspective that you hadn’t considered?

When the feedback is vague:

  • Ask questions that will drive the conversation forward.

  • Why this isn’t connecting with you?

  • Explain your rationale and have an open dialogue.

2. Giving feedback is an art:


Before launching into a critique, remind yourself that the work represents effort and commitment and that the individual asking for feedback needs concrete insights.


Take the time to drill into your own assessment before sharing it with others:

  • What specifically do you not like, and why?

  • What expertise do you have that might be insightful for strengthening the project?

  • What elements aren’t working, and why do you feel that way?

If the feedback is based on your personal preference:

  • Weigh whether that is input that will actually strengthen the project.

  • And always be prepared to share what you do like.

The free exchange of feedback and ideas can make the difference between a high-performing communication and one that misses the mark.


As you seek out feedback, you will slowly gain muscle memory for receiving input in ways that are constructive and productive.


"Feedback is the breakfast of champions." -Ken Blanchard


Today’s Challenge: Consider making a personal commitment.

from Gay Hendricks', A year of Living Consciously...

  • I commit to receiving feedback with gratitude and enthusiasm.

As your ability to receive feedback grows:

  • I commit to going out each day in search of meaningful feedback

Make your life and experiment in learning to give and receive significant feedback.



"Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and

honest development of one's potential." -Bruce Lee


What are you willing to do?


Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.


You got this!

Coach Tavia



References:


Hendricks, Gay; A year of Living Consciously: 365 Daily Inspirations for Creating a Life of Passion and Purpose. Harper One, New York, NY 1998.


How To Give And Receive Feedback To Strengthen Your Work



 
 
 

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