In life, we will receive feedback on everything we do. There will be times when we are happy with what is being said about us or our work, but other times it will make us wish we had not shared ourselves with others. It is such a delicate topic because you never know how the other person will react to the feedback you are giving or what kind of feedback they will be giving you. When it comes to our work, our actions, and our passions, we can become overprotective and not want to hear certain things. But feedback is always important and is always needed. It is one way we have to learn and grow as people and professionals.

Throughout our professional life—and sometimes in our personal life as well—we will deal with feedback in two capacities. The first one, when someone we work with or someone we know gives us feedback on something we have done. This being done in order to congratulate you for your work or help you improve some aspects of it. The second one, the feedback you will be giving to other people regarding their work. There are different ways to communicate your thoughts and different ways to react to the feedback you receive. Here are a few ideas on how to do both:

Receiving Feedback

Sharing our work with other people can be very hard and criticism may affect us. What you need to remember is that whatever the other person says is based on their knowledge and their opinion, which might not be similar to yours. However, when they comment on your work it is to help you improve or congratulate you for what you have done. If it is a congratulation, thank them for it and for taking the time to appreciate your work, and be proud of yourself for what you have accomplished. If they give you ideas on how to improve, thank them for the advice, take note of what they said, and be proud of yourself for what you have done. In the long run, you will realize that every kind of feedback you receive throughout your life is helpful to continue to improve upon your work and grow into the best version of yourself.

Giving Feedback

The most important thing to remember when giving feedback is to do it in the same manner you would like to receive it. Do not treat others in a way you know would harm you if you were in their place. Always try to find strong aspects of the work they have done to help show them they are doing a good job. When talking about the aspects they need to improve, do it respectfully and explaining why it is important or relevant to continue to work those topics. As long as your remarks are made in a respectful and caring way, the other person will understand you are simply trying to help them reach their potential.

Feedback is key in our growth and development as professionals. We need some sort of guide to help us improve, gain more knowledge, and know exactly how to reach our goals. What matters is to stay calm when giving it or receiving it. There is no harm in accepting other people’s comments to make your work better, and you need to keep in mind it will help you evolve. Always take everything as a learning experience and utilize it to continue expanding your knowledge. And when it is your time to be in a position to give feedback, do it exactly how you would have wanted to receive it. Remember the respect and the care you wanted your feedback to have, and express that in your comments. Whatever happens, feedback can only be beneficial if we use it as yet another tool in our professional life.

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