Navigating feedback can be daunting. In this episode, we dive into the skills of asking for and receiving feedback with intention and grace. Learn the art of crafting your asks to elicit constructive insights and how to gracefully accept the advice given, filter through biases, and grow from the experience. Whether it’s refining your creative process or enhancing your professional journey, we share actionable tips on making feedback work for you. 

Listen now to learn the strategies that will help you embrace feedback not as criticism, but as a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. 

Perfect for creators, innovators, and anyone looking to level up their feedback game. And stay tuned for the upcoming episode on giving feedback! 

 

 

 

How to Ask for and Take Feedback

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re diving into a topic that frequently sparks those “oh my god, why can’t people get out of their own way?” conversations I often have at dinner. We’re talking about how to ask for and take feedback. Next episode, we’ll cover how to give feedback effectively.

Feedback is one of those areas where many think they excel, yet few truly do, especially in the age of the internet, where feedback mechanisms can sometimes devolve into marketing ploys or avenues for venting personal frustrations. Remember when we could buy a toaster without consulting 25 strangers online? Neither do I.

Why Feedback Matters

Feedback is crucial; it challenges us to grow and improve, particularly in creative fields. But it’s an art, not just a set of algorithms.

How to Ask for Feedback Like a Pro

1. Be Discerning: Ask the right people. Don’t take a shotgun approach to feedback which leads to decisions based on a wide but irrelevant set of opinions.
2. Be Specific: Clearly outline what you need feedback on, including relevant context and what types of feedback you aren’t looking for.
3. Format Matters: If you’re writing, break up your text. Long paragraphs are daunting and often not fully read. Structuring your request can greatly influence the quality of feedback you receive.
4. State Your Biases: Be upfront about your attachment to the project and how much feedback you can realistically handle without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Be Prepared for the Response: Engage with the feedback you receive. This is not just about hearing what you want to hear, but also about learning from diverse perspectives.

How to Take Feedback

1. Understand the Source: Make sure the feedback is coming from someone relevant to your request. A spouse might be supportive but not the best critic for your business website if they lack the perspective of your target audience.
2. Separate Yourself from Your Work: This can be challenging, especially for creatives and solopreneurs, but it’s crucial for growth.
3. Be Proactive: Do your research and ensure your work is as polished as possible before seeking feedback. This prevents basic questions that could have been answered with a little initiative.
4. Be Engaging: Respond thoughtfully to feedback. Ask follow-up questions and share how you’ve used the advice you’ve received. This respects the time of those who helped you and enriches the community.

Conclusion

Asking for feedback requires understanding both the context of your work and the perspectives of those you engage. Effective feedback is a tool for growth, illuminating blind spots and offering new paths forward. So, harness it wisely, and remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone to betterment.

Stay tuned for our next episode on giving feedback like a rock star, because mastering both sides of this process can dramatically enhance how we communicate and grow. Have a wonderful spring, and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks. Bye!

 

More Episodes

The Content Series: The Necessity Myth | GB13

The Content Series: The Necessity Myth | GB13

Content is NOT just another task to be checked off the list. And it shouldn’t be something you do because you think you’re supposed to. Because it is not the only path to business building. Plenty of people thrive at their work without writing blog posts or starting podcasts. It DOES however, help a LOT.

read more
The case for loving your business as much as you love your work | GB11

The case for loving your business as much as you love your work | GB11

Today’s episode is a piggy back on last week’s when we talked about how, in order to have real success as an entrepreneur, you have to actually love BEING an entrepreneur as much as you love doing your ACTUAL work. So today, as promised, I’m going to talk about all the reasons why being in business for yourself TODAY is actually pretty damn wonderful.

read more
You don’t have to make a living at your life’s work | GB10

You don’t have to make a living at your life’s work | GB10

Starting a passion-based business is not the same thing as creating a business around your life’s work. And here’s the hard and simple truth, there are actually very few things people are willing to pay for. And the fundamental truth is that your life’s work might be wildly rewarding and profoundly difference-making – but it might not be something people are willing to pay for. And that is 100% ok.

read more
The two leaders: Do you feed your people, or feed ON them? | GB09

The two leaders: Do you feed your people, or feed ON them? | GB09

Leadership is not an optional choice to be made, but rather something that WILL come with success, and how it’s essential you choose who YOU want to be from the two primary types of leaders. Because if you DON’T choose, you’re leadership style will continue to be muddled with bad habits and a tactical vacuum. It will affect who you are, how people see you, and the behaviors of those who follow.

read more

Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PlayStitcherOvercast