Responding to feedback

There are four types of feedback that you might receive, and there are different ways you can respond to each type.

Positive Expected

You can integrate this feedback into your everyday life. It’s also worth finding out if others think the same thing.

Positive Unexpected

Woohoo!
Enjoy the moment and keep doing what you’re doing.

Negative Expected

Look at this as an opportunity to improve. Ask lots of questions and find out if others agree.

Negative Unexpected

Find out more about what you can improve and how to do it. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What should I do?

When you're getting feedback, follow these rules for more constructive conversations:

  1. Ask for details and examples
  2. Try to understand the speaker's perspective
  3. Thank and appreciate people for speaking up
  4. Give yourself time to process the feedback
Confused guy

What shouldn’t I do?

If you're getting harsh feedback, try not to do these things so that conversations stay positive:

  1. Get defensive or making excuses
  2. Reject or undermine the feedback
  3. Change the subject or avoiding the topic
  4. Get upset with the messenger
Angry guy