Accepting Feedback: The Art of Growing Through Others' Guidance

Accepting Feedback: The Art of Growing Through Others' Guidance

"The feedback is a gift: embrace it to learn and grow."

The Story of the Young Painter

There is a tale that always comes to mind when contemplating the accessibility of feedback. Picture a young, dedicated painter spending hours in his studio perfecting his artwork. One day, a master artist visited his space and, upon observing his paintings, offered some advice. Initially, the young painter felt discouraged, as if his work had no value. However, upon reflecting on the master's words, he decided to apply the advice given. Over time, his art flourished in ways he never imagined possible.

The story of the dedicated young painter receiving feedback from a master artist illustrates how receptivity to others' guidance can contribute to professional development.

Feedback: An Essential Tool

Neuroscience reveals the plasticity of the human brain, capable of remodeling and learning continuously. Feedback serves as a catalyst in this process, challenging us to step out of our comfort zone and evolve. Positive psychology reinforces this idea, demonstrating how interpreting and applying feedback can positively influence well-being and individual development.

Common Mistakes in Accepting Feedback

The effectiveness of feedback depends on both how it is given and how it is received. It's important to be aware of common mistakes such as:

Defensiveness: Interpreting feedback as a personal attack rather than an opportunity for learning.

Arrogance: Completely disregarding feedback, missing out on opportunities for growth.

Focusing on the negatives: Only focusing on the negative aspects of feedback, ignoring the positive points and opportunities for learning.

Strategies to Improve Feedback Acceptance

To improve receptivity to feedback, we can implement some strategies:

Cultivate a Growth Mindset: View feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, not as personal criticism.

Practice Deep Reflection: Take time to reflect on the feedback received, seeking to understand its key points and how to apply them.

Request Specific Examples: Ask for concrete examples that illustrate the feedback received, for better understanding and identification of areas for improvement.

Create an Action Plan: Turn feedback into a targeted action plan for individual development, with specific goals and deadlines.

Seek Feedback Regularly: Foster a culture of ongoing feedback, seeking guidance and advice from colleagues, leaders, and mentors.

Task: Reflective Practice

To put the learning about feedback acceptance into practice, propose the following activity:

Select a Challenge: Choose a specific aspect of your work that you want to develop.

Request Feedback: Ask a trusted colleague or leader to provide honest and constructive feedback on the chosen challenge.

Open Receptivity: Listen to the feedback with an open mind and willingness to learn, avoiding defensive reactions.

Reflection and Analysis: Listen carefully to the feedback received, identifying positive points, areas for improvement, and valuable lessons.

Action Plan: Create a detailed action plan, with SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound), to apply the insights from the feedback and achieve the desired development.

Final Thoughts

Just like the young painter in the story, by embracing feedback as a valuable gift for professional growth, we can reach new heights in our careers.

Our Comments:

What feedback have you been avoiding and how facing it can transform your professional journey?

Social Media: Cleia Elaine Soares

Email: cleiapsicologia@gmail.com

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