Here's how you can use feedback to drive your professional growth.
Feedback is an invaluable tool for professional development, especially when you're aiming to enhance your leadership skills. It's not just about receiving criticism; it's about understanding how to utilize insights from various sources to refine your approach, improve your performance, and ultimately grow as a leader. By actively seeking feedback and learning how to interpret and act on it, you can accelerate your professional journey and become more effective in your role. The process of integrating feedback into your growth strategy requires openness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
-
Chhatra ChhetriBuilding the Business for Upper North | Business Head @ Hindustan Times | Revenue Growth| Circulation | P&L Management|…
-
Sunil Vasant PatilProven Quality – Head | ISO Auditor | Problem Solving | Quality Assurance I Six Sigma I Lean I Continuous Improvement I…
-
J.D. MeierHigh-Performance, Innovation & Leadership Coach | 25 years of Microsoft | Former head coach for CEO Satya Nadella’s…
Welcoming feedback with an open mind is the first step towards using it to fuel your professional growth. It can be challenging to hear criticism, but viewing feedback as a valuable source of insight rather than a personal attack is crucial. By fostering an attitude of curiosity and a desire to improve, you create a foundation for constructive dialogue. Remember, feedback is not just about identifying weaknesses; it's also an opportunity to discover strengths and areas where you excel.
-
Chhatra Chhetri
Building the Business for Upper North | Business Head @ Hindustan Times | Revenue Growth| Circulation | P&L Management| Ex-Tata Press Ltd
If you seek professional growth, it’s essential to regularly seek feedback. Be open to receiving feedback, noting areas for improvement as well as strengths to maintain. Take feedback with an open mind & a willingness to learn. Identify areas needing improvement & areas which need to be bolstered. Reflect on the feedback to determine if it is specific to one person’s perspective or a genuine, overall assessment. Next, Create a detailed plan to address the feedback, outlining specific actions you will take. Implement the changes based on your plan. Continuously check in with the person who provided the feedback to ensure you are on the right path. Use ongoing feedback to make necessary adjustments, ensuring you stay on track.
-
Sunil Vasant Patil
Proven Quality – Head | ISO Auditor | Problem Solving | Quality Assurance I Six Sigma I Lean I Continuous Improvement I I help Companies to translate their business goals into reality through 100% Customer Satisfaction.
Using feedback effectively can significantly drive professional growth. Start by actively seeking constructive feedback from peers, supervisors, and mentors. Reflect on the feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Set specific, measurable goals based on this input and create an actionable plan to address gaps. Continuously monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. Embrace a growth mindset, viewing feedback as an opportunity for development rather than criticism.
-
Dr. Azqa Shahzad (RPh) 🍉🕊️
Founder and CEO | Entrepreneur and Research Mentor | Registered Pharmacist
To grow at work, it's super important to be open to feedback. That means being ready to listen when people tell you how you can do better. Don't worry if it's not all sunshine and rainbows—sometimes feedback can be tough to hear, but it's a chance to learn and get better. Keep an open mind, set goals based on what you hear, and then take action to make those goals happen. And hey, don't forget to give feedback to others too! It's like a big circle of learning and growing together. So, be open, listen up, and keep on improving!
-
Prashant Srivastava
Online marketing executive at Natural Fibres Export
Seek Feedback Regularly Request Feedback: Proactively seek feedback from supervisors, peers, mentors, and clients on your performance, projects, and interactions. Be Open to Feedback: Foster a mindset of openness and receptiveness to feedback, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and learning. 2. Listen Actively and Reflect Listen Attentively: Listen actively to feedback without becoming defensive or dismissive. Pay attention to both positive and constructive feedback. Reflect on Feedback: Take time to reflect on the feedback received, considering how it aligns with your goals, values, and areas of focus.
-
PRACHI SINGHAL
Associate Consultant: UI/UX @ KPMG India | Design Systems
Being open to feedback means being ready to listen to what others say about your work, whether it's good or bad. Instead of feeling bad about criticism, think of it as a chance to learn and get better. Feedback helps you understand what you're good at and where you can improve. So, stay curious and use feedback as a way to grow professionally!
To gain a comprehensive understanding of your performance, seek feedback from a diverse range of sources. This includes peers, supervisors, subordinates, and even clients or customers. Each perspective can offer unique insights that, when combined, provide a holistic view of your leadership style and effectiveness. Gathering varied opinions helps to balance biases and gives you a clearer picture of how your actions are perceived across different levels and contexts.
-
Dr. Azqa Shahzad (RPh) 🍉🕊️
Founder and CEO | Entrepreneur and Research Mentor | Registered Pharmacist
When you're trying to learn and grow, it's cool to seek out lots of different viewpoints. That's where diversity comes in! Diversity means having all kinds of different people around, with different backgrounds and experiences. So, when you're looking for feedback or advice, try to get it from a bunch of different people. That way, you'll get lots of different ideas and perspectives. Don't just stick to talking to people who are just like you—reach out to folks from different cultures, genders, ages, and backgrounds. Embracing diversity helps you see things from new angles and learn stuff you might never have thought about otherwise. So, be open to everyone's ideas, and you'll grow even more!
-
PRACHI SINGHAL
Associate Consultant: UI/UX @ KPMG India | Design Systems
To grow professionally, ask different people like colleagues, bosses, and clients for their thoughts on your work. Hearing from diverse perspectives helps you see the full picture of how you're doing. It's like getting feedback from different angles to understand what you're good at and what you can improve on.
-
Anand Bhaskar
CEO | Strategic HR Leader & Coach | Empowering CXOs at Fortune 500s (Unilever, GE, Microsoft) | PCC ICF | Angel Investor & Startup Advisor
Seek feedback from a diverse range of sources, including peers, mentors, supervisors, and even clients or customers. Different perspectives can offer valuable insights and help identify blind spots or areas for improvement that may not be apparent otherwise.
-
Jon Neumann, mMBA
Operations Management Leader | Operational Excellence 📊 | ESG 🌏 | Corporate Sustainability ♻️ | Low-Carbon | Renewables | Social lmpact | EQ | Continuous Improvement | CSR | Award Winner 🏆🏆 | Limitless Learner 📈📚
Actively seek feedback from a diverse range of sources. Different people can provide unique insights that you might not have considered.
-
Jamin Allen
Copywriter, UX Writer and Technical Writer
Seeking diversity in feedback goes beyond mere tokenism; it's about genuinely incorporating individuals with unique perspectives and experiences into the process. By involving peers, supervisors, subordinates, and clients, we capture a richer, multifaceted understanding of our performance. Each group brings distinct insights that, collectively, offer a more holistic and unbiased view of our leadership style and effectiveness. Embracing this true diversity ensures that feedback is not just a formality but a valuable tool for genuine growth and improvement.
Once you've collected feedback, take the time to reflect critically on what you've heard. This involves analyzing the information, identifying patterns or recurring themes, and separating constructive criticism from unhelpful noise. Reflection allows you to pinpoint specific areas for improvement and to set realistic goals for your personal development. It's a process that requires honesty with yourself and a willingness to acknowledge where changes are needed.
-
Dr. Azqa Shahzad (RPh) 🍉🕊️
Founder and CEO | Entrepreneur and Research Mentor | Registered Pharmacist
Reflecting critically means taking a good, hard look at yourself and what you've been doing. It's like looking in a mirror and asking yourself, "How did I do? What went well, and what could I do better next time?" When you get feedback or finish a project, take some time to think about it. Ask yourself questions like, "What did I learn from this? What mistakes did I make, and how can I avoid them in the future?" Being critical doesn't mean being hard on yourself, it means being honest and wanting to improve. So, after every task or conversation, take a moment to reflect. You'll find that this helps you grow and get better at what you do!
-
PRACHI SINGHAL
Associate Consultant: UI/UX @ KPMG India | Design Systems
Reflecting on feedback means really thinking about what people have said about your work. Look for things that keep coming up in what they're saying. Figure out what's helpful advice and what's not. This helps you see where you can get better and set goals to improve. It's like looking in a mirror and deciding what to work on to be your best self.
-
Wan Mohamad Hanis bin Wan Hassan
Independent Entrepreneur
Take the time to reflect and pinpoint specific areas for improvement. Focus on actionable feedback that can enhance skills, knowledge, or performance. Avoid getting caught up in vague or general remarks. Develop a personalized development plan by utilizing the feedback to create a tailored plan for growth. Set goals and pinpoint learning opportunities.
-
Dr Kislay Panday
Solicitor at Supreme Court of India | Author | Theologist
When soliciting feedback, ask specific questions like, “What can I do to improve my communication skills?” or “How can I better support the team’s goals?” Encourage detailed responses by asking follow-up questions for clarity and deeper understanding.
-
Sudharshan Krishnamurthy
LinkedIn Top Leadership Voice | Building Jigsaw | Making Talent Accessible to all
Critical reflection is a powerful tool for professional growth. Taking the time to evaluate your experiences, decisions, and outcomes allows for deeper insights and continuous learning. By critically examining both successes and setbacks, you uncover valuable lessons that inform future actions and drive improvement. Embrace critical reflection as a cornerstone of your growth journey, and watch as it propels you toward greater success and fulfillment.
After reflection, the next step is to formulate a clear action plan. This means setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals based on the feedback received. An effective action plan not only outlines what you aim to improve but also includes strategies on how you will achieve these improvements. Whether it's enhancing communication skills, delegating more effectively, or developing better decision-making processes, your action plan should guide your efforts in a focused direction.
-
Jithesh Anand
CEO - myDayOne | Advisor to Company Boards | Leadership & Team Coach |OD Practitioner | Behaviour Specialist | Learning & HR Leader | Entrepreneur | XLRI, TISS, ISABS, Aon, Mercer, NLI, AE, Relations Institute(s) Alumnus
Use the feedback as a basis for formulating actionable goals and strategies for improvement. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps, and create a plan of action with specific timelines and milestones to track progress over time.
-
Jon Neumann, mMBA
Operations Management Leader | Operational Excellence 📊 | ESG 🌏 | Corporate Sustainability ♻️ | Low-Carbon | Renewables | Social lmpact | EQ | Continuous Improvement | CSR | Award Winner 🏆🏆 | Limitless Learner 📈📚
Based on your reflections, develop an action plan. This could involve setting new goals, learning new skills, or changing certain behaviors.
-
Wan Mohamad Hanis bin Wan Hassan
Independent Entrepreneur
Identify a particular area for enhancement, track advancement, confirm feasibility, relevance, and establish a timeline. Utilize a SWOT analysis to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Shape a SMART framework goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. By following a structured, data-driven action plan, we can demonstrate our commitment to growth and enhance engagement with efficiency. Moreover, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the time and effort invested in our development can motivate others to keep offering valuable input.
-
Robert Deck
Spearheading Recruitment & AI Consulting • Expert in AI Integration | Recognized Top Leadership Voice
After reflecting on feedback about my presentation skills, I decided to formulate a clear action plan to improve. Here’s how I did it: Set SMART Goals: My goal was to enhance my presentation skills by the end of the quarter. I aimed to improve my ability to engage the audience and convey information clearly. Break Down Objectives: I broke this down into smaller steps: attending a public speaking workshop, practicing presentations weekly, and seeking feedback from colleagues after each presentation Create a Timeline: I established a three-month timeline with specific milestones, such as completing the workshop within the first month, practicing weekly, and scheduling bi-weekly feedback sessions with a mentor.
-
JL Heather, MBA, CPCC, ACC
Transformational Executive & Leadership Coach | Helping leaders and organizations build a center that drives results
Feedback doesn't matter if it doesn't change behavior. This means if your feedback is all glowing or non-specific, it doesn't help you improve. Don't be afraid to push for the constructive feedback! Once you have that constructive feedback, identify the relevant and contributing behaviors or perspectives. Start outlining the the improved behaviors and perspective and how you would measure your progress (i.e. what success looks like). Based on this outline you can now create a plan to get to your ideal or improved state.
Implementing the changes you've identified in your action plan is where the real growth happens. This might involve seeking out new experiences, attending training sessions, or practicing new behaviors in your day-to-day work. Implementation is an iterative process; as you make changes, continue to seek feedback to gauge the effectiveness of your actions. This cycle of action and evaluation is key to making continuous progress in your leadership journey.
-
Robert Deck
Spearheading Recruitment & AI Consulting • Expert in AI Integration | Recognized Top Leadership Voice
After creating an action plan to improve my delegation skills, I started implementing the changes immediately. Here’s what I did: Put the Plan into Practice: I began delegating tasks more intentionally, providing clear instructions and expectations to my team members. I also made a conscious effort to follow up and offer support when needed. Seek Ongoing Feedback: I asked my team for feedback on my delegation style, encouraging them to be honest about what was working and what wasn’t. This helped me adjust my approach and address any issues promptly. Monitor Progress: I kept track of the tasks I delegated and noted improvements in team efficiency and project outcomes.
-
Dr Kislay Panday
Solicitor at Supreme Court of India | Author | Theologist
Outline concrete steps to achieve these goals. For example, if feedback highlights a need for better communication, actions might include attending a communication workshop or scheduling regular team briefings.
-
Shumaila Imtiaz
Passionpreneur | Top Teamwork Voice | Cognitive Catalyst | Digital Creator | Wellness Guide | Author Welcome! I innovate as a Cognitive Catalyst and share insights as an Author. Let's connect and inspire together!
Take proactive steps to implement the changes you’ve identified. This might involve adopting new strategies, learning new skills, or adjusting your approach. Demonstrating a commitment to change reinforces your dedication to personal and professional development.
-
Jon Neumann, mMBA
Operations Management Leader | Operational Excellence 📊 | ESG 🌏 | Corporate Sustainability ♻️ | Low-Carbon | Renewables | Social lmpact | EQ | Continuous Improvement | CSR | Award Winner 🏆🏆 | Limitless Learner 📈📚
Put your action plan into practice. This might be challenging, but remember that growth often involves stepping out of your comfort zone.
-
Kevin Lewis , MA, CPP, STS
Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul. ✈ Coffee Lover ☕️ SAIC Corporate Security Principal | USAF Ret. 🖱🎖️
Feedback at its strongest is shining a light on personal blind spots. So, being open and really considering both positive and negative feedback is essential for growth, personally and professionally. There are times we simply are not aware of how we may act in different situations, and being told we have a weak spot may be uncomfortable at first. But knowing is half the battle. It's setting the stage for greater success. Take it on board, listen, resist the urge to argue, and come away just that much stronger for it.
To ensure that feedback remains a driving force in your professional growth, it's important to maintain momentum. This means regularly revisiting your goals, celebrating progress, and continuously seeking new feedback. By making this an ongoing practice, you reinforce a growth mindset and embed feedback into your professional routine. As a leader, demonstrating a commitment to self-improvement can also inspire those around you to embrace their own growth journeys.
-
Shumaila Imtiaz
Passionpreneur | Top Teamwork Voice | Cognitive Catalyst | Digital Creator | Wellness Guide | Author Welcome! I innovate as a Cognitive Catalyst and share insights as an Author. Let's connect and inspire together!
Keep the momentum going by regularly seeking new feedback and reassessing your progress. Continuous feedback loops ensure that you are always moving forward and adapting to new challenges. Celebrate your achievements along the way to stay motivated.
-
Hamid Rab Nawaz
Results-Driven Business Growth Consultant | Empowered 400+ Brands in Revenue Expansion, Lead Generation, and Sales enhancement | 2 Million + orders managed
Maintain a feedback journal to track insights and progress over time. For example, I started jotting down feedback I received from colleagues and supervisors in a dedicated notebook. After each entry, I noted my reflections and outlined specific actions to address the feedback. Revisiting the journal periodically helped me see patterns and measure my growth. This practice not only kept me accountable but also provided a clear record of my development journey, making it easier to stay focused on continuous improvement and celebrate milestones along the way.
-
Jon Neumann, mMBA
Operations Management Leader | Operational Excellence 📊 | ESG 🌏 | Corporate Sustainability ♻️ | Low-Carbon | Renewables | Social lmpact | EQ | Continuous Improvement | CSR | Award Winner 🏆🏆 | Limitless Learner 📈📚
Keep seeking feedback and making adjustments as necessary. This continuous cycle of feedback and improvement can drive your professional growth.
-
JL Heather, MBA, CPCC, ACC
Transformational Executive & Leadership Coach | Helping leaders and organizations build a center that drives results
One of the best ways to maintain momentum in adjusting to feedback is to ensure you are accountable in the short and long term. Ensure that in the short term you have people (boss, peers, subordinates) who can help you adjust as you go and solicit their feedback regularly. In the longer term, make sure your improvement plan is part of your next review, feedback session, etc. This way you know that it's not going to be forgotten. Lastly, be sure to celebrate success. It's important to give yourself credit for the improvement you make no matter where you're starting from.
-
Jon Neumann, mMBA
Operations Management Leader | Operational Excellence 📊 | ESG 🌏 | Corporate Sustainability ♻️ | Low-Carbon | Renewables | Social lmpact | EQ | Continuous Improvement | CSR | Award Winner 🏆🏆 | Limitless Learner 📈📚
Keep the momentum going by continuously seeking feedback and making necessary adjustments. Professional growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
-
J.D. Meier
High-Performance, Innovation & Leadership Coach | 25 years of Microsoft | Former head coach for CEO Satya Nadella’s innovation team | On a mission to upskill 1M+ leaders with better, faster innovation with AI.
Treat feedback like a gift and remember you can always do three things: 1. Ignore it all 2. Absorb it all 3. Leverage what's useful Work backwards from someone who has the position you want, or is close enough, so others can understand what you want. Then get 360 degree feedback focused on looking for gaps colleagues see between you and the role. Find a sponsor and figure out with them the kind of person you need to be so they support you in the role. If you just work on that alone, you do what the 1% of high performers do.
-
Harit Bhasin
Empowering people to know more, do more, and be more | Top Leadership Voice | Product Program Manager
Receiving feedback and adapting yourself is not the only path to professional growth; you also need to learn how to give feedback. Some tips to follow in both cases: Receiving feedback: 1. Never argue with the feedback giver on critical feedback. 2. Do not make it personal. 3. Consider it as his perspective and introspect later to find out how much the person was correct and how you can improve it in the future. Giving Feedback: 1. Always seek permission before giving critical feedback. 2. Always follow the framework like SAO. Explain the Situation, Action and Outcome. 3. Appreciate people more frequently to gain trust and positive relationships.
-
Dinesh Karunakar K "DK"
Global Delivery | Innovation & Quality | Strategy | Shared Services |Transformation | Operational Excellence| Integration | Board Member | Ex Cognizant, Infosys and HP | Social Entrepreneur | ONO
As you grow as a leader, there are times when we don't accept feedback and the reason can be due to many factors . In corporate world there is no space for emotions but we need to use empathy and don't look at who said, but what they said and if it helps you just embrace it
-
Chirag Rawal
Director & Chief Operating Officer at Elsner Technologies Pvt. Ltd. | CSM®
To make the most of feedback for growing professionally, being genuine is super important. When you're real about both getting and giving feedback, it helps create a trusting and respectful atmosphere. Also, don't forget to say thanks! Showing gratitude for feedback boosts positive interactions and makes people more likely to keep sharing their thoughts.
-
Emilia D'Anzica, MBA, PMP
Helping Companies Protect & Grow Revenue | Award-winning Customer Revenue Accelerator | Speaker | Investor | Open to Board Positions & Advisory | Author, Pressing ON as a Tech Mom | Top LinkedIn Voice
Feedback is a powerful tool for professional growth. Remember these four points - especially if you have been recently laid off or received negative feedback: 1. Not all feedback will be positive, and that's okay—use it as a learning opportunity. 2. Imposter syndrome often accompanies growth, reminding you there's always more to learn, which can be beneficial. 3. Your mindset when receiving feedback is crucial: view feedback as a chance to improve rather than as criticism. 4. Stay open to continuous learning and self-improvement. Embrace feedback, refine your skills, and never stop growing. These four approaches will enhance your resilience, adaptability, and professional development. -One last piece of advice - keep your chin up.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Educational LeadershipHere's how you can effectively manage feedback and criticism in a professional setting.
-
Leadership DevelopmentWhat do you do if your feedback is causing more harm than good?
-
Team BuildingWhat are the best ways to provide feedback on soft skills?
-
Emotional IntelligenceYou want to improve your leadership skills. What are the best ways to use feedback?