Facing the Fear of Feedback

In today’s fast-paced workplace where rapid changes and evolving goals are the norm, adopting a culture of continuous growth is fundamental for success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through a strong cycle of feedback.

Yet, a study found that only 14.5% of managers strongly agree that they are effective at giving feedback (Source: gallup.com). Another survey found that nearly 75% of employees reported feeling anxious about receiving feedback (Source: apa.org).

Why Feedback is Important

At its core, feedback is a powerful tool for growth. It allows people to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, helping them develop their skills and enhance their performance. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. When people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions, it enhances engagement and innovation. There’s more cohesiveness because people learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and collaborate effectively.

Despite all the positives, many still fear both giving and receiving feedback. Here are some tips to help alleviate stress.

Ways to Face Feedback Fears When Delivering Feedback

1. Create psychological safety. Create a safe environment with a culture of openness, trust, and mutual respect.
2. Prepare and practice. Organize your thoughts before sharing feedback.
3. Practice empathy. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Remember that no one is perfect. Acknowledge that we all make mistakes, and the key is to learn from them.
4. Focus on behavior, not personality. Stick to the actions that need modification.
5. Stay solution-oriented. Offer constructive suggestions rather than only highlighting missteps.

Ways to Face Feedback Fears When Receiving Feedback

1. Shift your perspective. Embrace the idea that feedback is an opportunity for growth rather than judgment.
2. Practice active listening. Hear what the person is saying without formulating a response in your head.
3. Ask clarifying questions. Focus on specific examples of where you can improve.
4. Control your emotions. Sometimes this is tough. Take deep breaths and remain calm.
5. Reflect on the feedback later. Talk to a mentor or trusted friend and avoid venting to coworkers.

A cycle of feedback perpetuates continuous growth. It leads to open dialogue, better performance and more innovative solutions, ultimately enabling both employees and businesses to reach their full potential.

Feedback for Continuous Growth

To learn more about giving and receiving feedback, attend our free SmartSessions training, The Art of Feedback for Continuous Growth. We’ll share powerful strategies for using feedback in the workplace, including:

• The importance of feedback.
• Ways to effectively share feedback.
• A feedback culture of growth.

Interested in more opportunities for professional development? Check out our free SmartSessions Online Training on an extensive array of topics presented by certified educators with decades of experience. We’ll help you stay ahead in an every-changing world.