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Notes to my future me


Receiving Feedback

After having given feedbacks to some colleagues in the past weeks and months I regularly felt a strong urge to give some feedback to the feedback recepients on receiving feedback (read that again more slowly if you like :-) ).

Here's what I would have given them as a tip for the future:

1. Listen and understand - active listening means laser-focus on the things being said. Taking some notes can be helpful.

2. Never (never EVER) explain, downplay, justify, comment, etc.. Feedback is never exclusively about you - your FB-giver is always part of the story.

3. Ask for clarity - in case you feel you're still in the woods, seek clarity. To understand means to understand without ambiguity and to understand all that was said. Let this claim be the only source of your questions.

4. Pick the cherries - Only you know your journey. Only you can know what helps you reach your harbour. Take what you consider useful, leave the rest and move on.

5. Say "Thank you" - Your feedback donor saw you, heard you, thought about your behaviour and took time to open a new perspective to you. Show some gratitude - no matter if and how you will later use what was given to you.


What is your tip for better feedback?

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