Feedback is not the enemy.
How many times have you hyper-focused on a negative comment from a patient, student, or supervisor?
Feedback on your performance is important. It can help you hone your skills.
It can also cause you self-doubt, fear, and shame.
How can you process and harness negative feedback?
Step 1. Notice and process your feelings related to the feedback.
Step 2. Recognize that not all feedback is equal. Be mindful of the circumstances surrounding the event(s) on which you are receiving feedback.
Step 3. Don’t discount the positive, by ruminating on the negative portion of the feedback.
After you’ve validated your feelings, reflected on the circumstances, and tried to take a comprehensive view of the feedback…
Step 4. Reframe your remaining negative thoughts, by finishing these statements:
- I’m glad I received this feedback, because…
- This feedback does not invalidate…
- I can use this feedback to grow in the following ways...
- In the future I will…