Challenge Tips

Day 9 — Use Feedback as a Tool, Not a Threat

Giving and receiving feedback at work is crucial to your growth, development, productivity, and skills. During a conflict, receiving feedback can feel like a threat, especially if there are emotions behind it. And when you’re upset, the feedback you give may feel negative to the other person.

Using feedback as a tool for growth is a skill you can learn. When you embrace it as an opportunity instead of a criticism, you can help your coworkers — and yourself — enhance personal and professional development.

Your Action for Today

Practice giving specific, constructive feedback. This helps others improve their performance or behavior. It pinpoints specific issues without blame, so others know exactly what they can work on. Here are some helpful tips:

• Acknowledge their strengths: Let them know you see and value what they do well. This can help them feel more open to making changes.
• Be specific: Talk about their behavior that causes the problem, not their personality.
• Help them grow: After you give them feedback, offer to help them make a positive change. This shows your willingness to work as a team.
• Show continued support: Ongoing interaction with them demonstrates you care about their growth. They will be more likely to continue improving.

Let feedback become a strength instead of something to avoid. Everyone wins!

Join us on day 10: A sneak peek - Use reflection to better handle your next conflict.

Missed day 8? Catch up here.