Growth in every aspect of life is inevitable. Physical growth is necessary to keep us strong and healthy. Mental growth helps develop our thinking capacity and increase our knowledge. In the same way, if we want to really get the best out of our careers, we must seek professional growth.
One underrated strategy that helps us in our professional growth is feedback. Receiving feedback from your boss or colleagues can be a pivotal moment in your career development. It is an opportunity to gain insights into your performance, understand expectations, and identify areas for growth.
How can we learn from feedback and use it to propel our professional career?
- Be open-minded
When someone provides feedback, it’s crucial to approach it with an open mind. Defensiveness can cloud your ability to see the value in their comments. Instead, view feedback as a gift that can help you grow. Acknowledge the person’s effort in providing this guidance and reassure them that you are eager to understand and apply their advice. Also remember that feedback is not a personal attack but a tool for improvement.
2. Reflect on the feedback
After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on it deeply. Consider the context in which the feedback was given and think about how it aligns with your self-perception and career goals. Reflection allows you to process the information without the immediate emotional response that can occur during the feedback session. By doing so, you can objectively assess the validity of the feedback and determine which aspects are most relevant to your growth.
3. Act on it
Converting feedback into a concrete action plan is a pivotal step in enhancing your performance. Identify specific behaviors or skills mentioned in the feedback and outline clear, achievable steps to address them. For instance, if your boss suggests improving your time management, you might decide to use a planner or set aside time each day for uninterrupted work. Always ensure that you are doing something to get better on that feedback you received.
4. Ask questions
If any aspect of the feedback is unclear or seems ambiguous, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s better to have a clear understanding than to make assumptions about the feedback you receive. Asking for clarity is nowhere near being defensive. In fact, when you ask for clarification, it shows you are ready to work on yourself to improve on that weakness. For example, if they say you need to be more proactive, ask for instances where you could have demonstrated this trait.
5. Don’t wait for feedback
Lastly, don’t wait for a performance review or evaluation session before you get to hear feedback on your work. Be proactive and always seek out additional feedback from your boss and colleagues to make sure that you are growing day by day in your career.
