When ReceivingFeedback: Which of the Following Should Be Done?
Ever gotten feedback and just froze? Either way, feedback is one of those things that can either make you better or leave you feeling worse, depending on how you handle it. Practically speaking, maybe you were in a meeting, someone shared their thoughts on your project, and instead of nodding or asking questions, you felt your face heat up. Or perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end of feedback that felt more like a personal attack than a helpful suggestion. Worth adding: when receiving feedback, which of the following should be done? The answer isn’t always obvious, but it’s crucial to get right.
People argue about this. Here's where I land on it Small thing, real impact..
Feedback isn’t just about hearing what someone else thinks. But it’s about understanding how to use that input to improve, grow, or adjust your approach. Whether it’s at work, in a relationship, or even when learning a new skill, feedback is a tool. But tools only work if you know how to wield them. The problem is, most people either ignore feedback, take it too personally, or try to fix everything at once. None of those approaches are effective Which is the point..
The key is knowing which actions to take—and which to avoid—when feedback comes your way. Let’s break down what actually works, what doesn’t, and why it matters.
What Is Feedback, Really?
Before diving into what to do when receiving feedback, it’s worth clarifying what feedback isn’t. And it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not a final judgment. It’s not a verdict on your worth as a person. Even so, feedback is information. It’s a snapshot of someone else’s perspective, often shaped by their experiences, biases, or goals It's one of those things that adds up..
In practice, feedback can come in many forms. It’s someone sharing their view of a situation. In practice, feedback is subjective. Now, it might be a colleague pointing out a mistake in a report, a manager suggesting a different approach to a task, or even a friend saying your joke fell flat. But here’s the thing: their view isn’t necessarily the only view. So naturally, the common thread? That doesn’t make it wrong, but it does mean it needs to be handled with care That's the whole idea..
The Purpose of Feedback
At its core, feedback is meant to help you improve. But that’s only true if you’re open to it. If you’re defensive or dismissive, feedback becomes a barrier instead of a bridge. The goal isn’t to agree with every piece of feedback or to change everything someone suggests. Instead, it’s about identifying what’s actionable and what’s not Most people skip this — try not to..
To give you an idea, if someone says, “Your presentation was too long,” that’s actionable. Day to day, you can shorten it. But if they say, “You’re not passionate about this topic,” that’s harder to act on. Practically speaking, it might be true, but it’s also personal. The difference between these two types of feedback determines how you should respond.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
Handling feedback well isn’t just about being polite. On top of that, it’s about growth. People who learn to receive feedback effectively tend to adapt faster, build stronger relationships, and avoid repeating mistakes Worth keeping that in mind..
