Management Corner: Feedback: An Opportunity for Growth

from Fence News November 2022

First Female Leader Named for CertainTeed Canada

Management Corner

FEEDBACK: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

From the moment we are born, we begin receiving constant feedback from those around us and continue to receive it in every area of our lives until the day we die. An infant cries and their need is met or neglected. A student submits a project and receives a passing or failing grade. Employees have performance evaluations.

Sometimes, feedback is positive and sometimes it’s negative. We may seek feedback or avoid it all together. At times, it’s desired and at others it’s resented. Regardless, when it comes to the workplace, what you choose to do with the feedback you receive from customers, supervisors, and employees is crucial.

Merriam-Webster defines feedback as, “The transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source.” In terms of psychology, feedback involves providing information about a process or interaction to an individual in order to make adjustments that eliminate problems or otherwise optimize functioning.

Since we have no control over what others say or do, our realm of control extends only to how we react and respond. Choosing to view feedback as an opportunity for growth, can help you set yourself and your company up for greater success. Here are a few tips to help you handle feedback positively:

CONSIDER THE SOURCE. Is it a credible, reliable, and trustworthy source? Self-reflect. Very few people, if any, enjoy anything less than positive praise, but in order to grow, you must step back and evaluate yourself and your company as you truly are, and how others perceive you. EVALUATE THE VALIDITY. Ask yourself if the information you have been given is in any way, even to the slightest degree, true. This can be challenging. In instances in which you receive feedback that is negative, you must work past your initial desire to become defensive and set your ego aside. In instances in which the feedback is positive, many individuals, especially those with poor selfconfidence, struggle to accept and believe the praise they have received is valid.

TAKE NECESSARY STEPS. Whether you are receiving positive or negative feedback, there will always be additional steps to take that will lead to growth. • When you receive positive feedback, give yourself and your team credit for your accomplishment. Then, do more of what is working, continuing to hone your skills. • When receiving negative feedback, determine what is within your realm of control that can be adjusted in order to better align yourself and your company with the desired outcome. It can be very helpful to solicit additional feedback and ask for assistance to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is lacking, of expectations, and a solid plan to meet them.