Want to know what someone thinks of your work? Ask them and let them know you need total honesty.
But here’s the most important thing about honest feedback: if you want to continue to get it, learn how to accept it. Here are a few reminders when receiving honest feedback that might be more constructive criticism, less praise.
- Take a deep breath and avoid that first emotional reaction.
- Remember why you asked for it in the first place: to drive improvement.
- Say thank you. Feedback is a gift, and we appreciate gifts.
- Listen to understand, don’t listen to respond.
- Ask questions only if you truly don’t understand the feedback. Don’t ask questions to prove a point.
- Avoid justifications. Avoid clarifications unless totally necessary.
- USE THE FEEDBACK (or stop asking for it).