Receiving Feedback: 10 Top Tips

Greetings again. I hope you’re doing well.

Last week’s post presented 10 tips on giving feedback. As promised, this week’s post provides 10 tips on receiving feedback. Here they are:

(1) Consider identifying aspects on which you are especially seeking feedback. For instance, do you want feedback mainly on the content of your presentation or on the presentation style?

(2) Be time-conscious. If you need feedback by a specific time, say so. And be considerate of feedback-givers’ time. If possible, avoid requesting feedback at the last minute.

(3) Perhaps seek feedback from people with different perspectives. For example, maybe show your draft to a close colleague, an acquaintance in the same general field, and a writing specialist.

(4) When receiving spoken feedback, listen openly. Try not to immediately become defensive.

(5) After reading written feedback, perhaps set it aside for a while. Comments that seemed harsh or overwhelming often appear less daunting when you reread them.

(6) Remember that a draft is just a draft.

(7) Realize that criticisms are of the work, not of you. Don’t let them lower your self-esteem.

(8) If points are unclear, ask questions.

(9) Realize that even inaccurate feedback may contain some truth. For example, if a reviewer mistakenly stated that you omitted a point, maybe you should state the point more clearly or prominently.

(10) Wrap up. Identify points from the feedback to use now and perhaps in future work. Express thanks. And consider providing feedback on the feedback.

Do you have thoughts about these tips? Or do you have tips to add? If so, please post a comment.

Until the next post—

Barbara