Babies give us positive feedback when they (eventually) smile after a very long six weeks of only knowing how to feedback by crying. It’s a momentous day!
A double click on an Instagram square or a Facebook like are also forms of feedback that shape our lives.
For me a quiet dinner table and then empty plates is the best non-verbal feedback I can receive at the end of a long day.
We get feedback at work through formal line management and appraisal systems but what happens when those systems aren’t in place? How on Earth as you supposed to know how you’re doing? Where things could be improved? When you’re doing brilliantly and should keep up the great work?
Whether you like receiving it or not getting feedback is essential otherwise it’s like being in a rudderless boat. You simply don’t know where you heading.
So my challenge today is to ask for, or give, some feedback - be it to your boss, a colleague or a friend.I'll ignore the collective groan.
It really doesn’t have to be formal and stuffy. I smiled and said good morning to a man in the park this morning and it felt great to connect with another member of the human race who was also out enjoying the sunshine.
It could be as simple as...
- How do you think that meeting went?
- What do you think of my new shoes?
- I love what you’ve done there.
- Thank you for all your hard work on this project.
And then really notice both how it makes you feel and what happens next.
Sometimes negative feedback can be hard to take but you can choose how you deal with it . You can sulk and pretend it didn’t happen. Or you can learn from it and evolve.
Positive feedback is brilliant at lifting the spirits and driving us forward. Think back to the time when someone praised you or commented how much they loved your outfit or said thank you without being prompted. No sulking around after that I bet. I find I can’t stop smiling, get a spring in my step and find myself aiming that little bit higher.
Good luck with the challenge and in a true growth mindset what have you learnt from this post? I’d love some feedback!
