Feedback Thoughts

Photo Credit: flickr

Feedback is often difficult for me to take, especially if it is especially negative or critical. I have had some good feedback experiences, however, and what I remember most about them were that they were objective and impersonal. One specific instance was in my Comp II class. I went to my professor's office hours and he critiqued the rough draft of my final paper. He pointed out the writing errors, such as misplaced commas or confusing sentences and clearly explained what was wrong and how I could fix it. I liked that he kept the focus on the paper and not on me and that he gave me ways to correct my errors. I felt like I was growing in my abilities as a writer instead of being criticized for my errors.
I can also think of a time when I had bad experiences with feedback. Particularly, when it was a personal error. I worked as a teller in a bank and anytime I made an error I got a strike and it always felt like I was being told I wasn't good enough. In this instance, I wasn't given an explanation on how to do better or improve but I was instead just told that I had messed up.
At a different job, I was taken aside by my supervisor and told about a mistake, however, instead of just telling me what I had done wrong and how I could improve, she made it personal. I had forgotten to respond to a message she had sent me and she seemed to think that I didn't like her because of it. It was awkward to have to explain that I had no problems with her and had just gotten busy with my work. It would have been much better if she hadn't made it personal and had just told me to double check my messages next time.

5 Tips for Taking Feedback Like a Champ 
forbes
I read this article because of the trouble I have had in taking feedback in the past. Sometimes, I get so worked up that I made a mistake, I don't fully listen to the person giving the feedback and perhaps don't retain everything I am told. One tip I liked from the article that I think I have difficulty with is "3. Keep in mind state vs. trait". I do take critical feedback personally. I feel as if I am being told I am a failure and I am not good enough instead of remaining objective and working toward ways to fix the problem. I also liked "5. Use mindfulness and self-compassion to react in a productive way". I am definitely harder on myself than others. If someone tells me they made a mistake, I am supportive and try to help in whatever way I can but when I make a mistake I criticize myself and immediately think I am not good enough, this is something I need to work on.

When Your Toughest Conversations are the Ones You Have With Yourself 
hbr
I was interested in the article because I definitely am critical with myself. I have a lot of self-doubt at times, especially when I have to speak publically, give a presentation, or network with strangers. I feel awkward and when I mess up I berate myself. I am pursuing a business degree so I know I will have to become comfortable talking publically, however, I am still bad at it and I find myself thinking that I am a failure when I do something wrong. I definitely find myself listening to that critical inner voice when I should address it in a more positive way as the article suggests. When I don't do well, I need to remember that I can keep improving.