Relax and Roll with the Punches
On my first job interview after graduating from university I was asked what would be the worst thing in a manager. “If they don’t give me any feedback” was my very definitive answer. Feedback is the essence of two way communication…right?
Well, it is easier to say that feedback is important than to actually take it when offered. Even for smart and open-minded people. Some of the smallest but most painful (and retrospectively hilarious) feedback I get has to do with English pronunciation. The combination of a non-native speaker that is also an avid reader, loves to talk and cannot resist the temptation to add color to boring sentences… Let’s just say some of the most memorable feedback has to do with what I say and how I say it😃. I vividly remember my UK colleagues cracking up when I say “Piss in the lab” (peace in the lab ☮️). And Scott Turner, Quali’s CMO, explaining to me that “wet dream” in English is not what it means in Hebrew (Scott, you are a life saver).
From the day we started building Chiefy, a communication platform for care teams, it was clear that drinking our own champagne was part of the deal, and that included tons of giving and receiving feedback.
After a few weeks of drinking our own champagne, I can tell you this:
Getting feedback is like getting punched
Getting better at getting feedback is therefore a lot like getting better at taking punches (and yes, I did google “how to take a punch”. Check this out: https://expertboxing.com/how-to-take-punches-better).
- RELAX
- KEEP EYE CONTACT
- PREPARE FOR IMPACT
- ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES
***
My initial conclusions when it comes to feedback:
- It’s easier if you know it’s coming
- It’s much easier if you ask for it
- It gets even easier when you’re used to it
- It’s addictive
How do you like your feedback?
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