Sunday, January 11, 2009
Feedback: A Gift for Discovering Blindspots
Cheers to a New Year and a second chance to do it right in 2009! The best way to learn how to do it right is by discovering our "blindspots".....which can only be done through valuable feedback. Of all the New Year Resolutions that I have heard, I have never heard anyone say, "My resolution this new year is to be more open to feedback from others." Wow, what a new concept! Why is it that when we are given valuable feedback we interpret it as criticism? Instead of accepting it as a great gift that will help us improve, we reject it and become defensive. There could be several reasons for this behavior. One reason could be that we don't understand the value of feedback and how it can work wonders for us. Another reason could be that we lack the skills in giving and receiving meaningful feedback. Learning the skill of how to give and receive feedback is the most important skill we can learn in this life. This skill alone will improve our relationships and our quality of life. So this year, instead of taking valuable feedback and trashing it because you see it as criticism, I challenge you to listen more carefully and probe down for better understanding. Learn to do it right in 2009---discover your blindspots by accepting feedback from others (your spouse, boss, kids, parents, friends, and enemies)!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
i bet if i kept a journal of all the feedback i was given i would be surprised at how much there really is. and if on that same journal page i made a goal to accept the positive feedback, i bet i'd see some really good changes in my life. i think we should do just that mom! what do you think?
What a great concept! Every word of feedback is pure gold, and most of us run away without looking. Kudos!
Great idea. Now if I could just get my husband to give me feedback. He is always so nice to me. Too nice. It seems as though I am the one to always criticize and give feedback... Maybe I need to hold back!
I am looking forward to your insights.
We really do need to take feedback as a way to learn, grow, and change ourselves to help better our relationships. I feel that many times I take the feedback that Bryan is giving me and turn it into an attack on whatever the issue is.
Great blog!
I use the term"suggestion" and get accused of criticism. I'll try the term "feedback" and see what reaction I get. Good suggestion!
Hi Coach Chris, Hey, I am proud of you. I like your idea of accepting positive feedback. I think it is something we all need to work on, because of our fragile self images. Good luck with your schooling and career. Verda
Yesterday while talking with a professional counselor he said something that keeps circulating in my mind. He said, "People think they have to be sick to get help. The truth is, no matter where we are, we could all do better." Why are we so hesitant to seek trustworthy feedback and make changes that will hopefully lead to more peace and happiness in our lives? Possibly because it means accepting that our way is not the best way and that some of our pain may be caused internally... and that can be a hard pie to swallow.
Post a Comment