The Gift of Feedback
What comes to mind when you hear the word feedback? Does the mention of the word make the hairs on the back of your neck feel prickly? Do you think of feedback as business speak for unbridled criticism that annoys you and undermines your confidence?
I have learned from working in organizations over the past twenty years that feedback is a word nobody wants to hear. But let me share a secret with you. Feedback is a gift.
Early on in my career I had the pleasure of working at NTL Institute, a pioneer in the business of training and development. Feedback was an integral part of the day-to-day operation at NTL, as well as a constant activity in the various training sessions. I learned to embrace the lessons that feedback provided because whether the feedback was positive or negative, someone was taking the time to share valuable information with me.
Feedback is more than telling people what is wrong about their performance. Feedback is communicating to a person what you value and appreciate about them and their contributions. Feedback is a helping tool that can provide the catalyst to improve personal and professional performance.
The gift of feedback is in the giving. So the next time someone in your organization suggests a “feedback session” as part of a meeting or activity, embrace the process. Let the possibilities out weigh the fears. Hear the feedback and accept the gift. I believe that we can never get too many gifts in life!
