Build with the feedback you get

Hunt For Greatness

Milton Kamwendo

Ken Blanchard, the author of “The One Minute Manager”, popularised the statement “Feedback is the breakfast of champions!” Great people thrive on feedback.

It is a critical element in achieving growth and excellence. Feedback helps you refine your skills and improve your performance. It is helpful when you actively use it to make changes and build something better.

Consider this step-by-step process to help you effectively build with the feedback you receive.

Step 1: Be open to receiving feedback

The first step in the process of building with feedback is to cultivate openness. Feedback, whether positive or negative, requires a willingness to listen without being defensive. Our natural instinct is to protect our ego or justify our actions. An open mind is crucial in recognising the potential for improvement. See feedback as an opportunity, not an attack. Tell yourself, “this feedback will help me grow”, and approach each conversation or evaluation with curiosity and a desire to learn.

Step 2: Listen actively

Once you receive feedback, the next step is active listening. Active listening involves focusing completely on the speaker, processing their words without interrupting or formulating responses prematurely. This helps you fully understand the feedback and avoid misinterpretations. When receiving feedback, maintain eye contact, nod to show understanding and take notes. Resist the urge to interject or explain yourself while the other person is speaking.

Ensure you are absorbing the information fully before responding.

Step 3: Clarify and ask questions

Feedback can sometimes be vague or incomplete. Seek clarity before you proceed.

Ask follow-up questions to ensure that you understand exactly what is being conveyed.

Specificity is key in making feedback actionable.

Step 4: Reflect on the feedback

Before jumping into action, reflect on the feedback you have received. Consider how it aligns with your own understanding of your performance or behaviour. Reflection allows you to separate emotions from the content of the feedback. Determine which aspects are most relevant to your goals.

Step 5: Identify actionable steps

The most important part of using feedback is identifying actionable steps. Feedback is valuable only when you can convert it into specific actions that you build on. Break down the feedback you receive into tangible goals that you can work towards; break it into small, manageable and measurable steps.

Step 6: Create a plan for implementation

With your actionable steps in hand, the next part of the process is to create a plan on how you will implement the feedback.

This plan should include a timeline, resources and specific goals to ensure that the feedback is applied effectively. Write down your plan. Detail each step you need to take, when you will begin and what greatness looks like.

Step 7: Act and implement

Once your plan is in place, you need to take action. Implement the changes that you have outlined. Integrate the feedback into your daily habits and routines. The key here is consistency. Building with feedback is not a one-time fix, but a continuous process of applying lessons learned. Begin implementing your plan step by step. Pay attention to how your actions are aligning with the feedback. Stay motivated and maintain a growth mindset. Change may not happen overnight. Be patient and persistent.

Step 8: Monitor your progress

As you implement the feedback, regularly monitor your progress. Keep checking on the goals that you have set for yourself.

Assess whether the feedback is producing positive changes. Set periodic checks for yourself to evaluate your progress. Keep a journal or log to track improvements and areas where you may still need to adjust.

Step 9: Follow up with the feedback provider

After implementing feedback, follow up with the person who provided it.

This demonstrates that you value their input and are actively working to improve the situation. It also provides an opportunity to gather additional feedback or clarification.

Reach out to the person who gave you the feedback. Thank them for their insights.

Let them know how you have applied their suggestions. Stay committed to continuous improvement.

Step 10: Express gratitude

The final step in building with feedback is expressing gratitude. After receiving feedback and going through it, take a moment to thank the person in question for their time and input.

You do so irrespective of the nature of the feedback — be it positive, negative or constructive. Let them know that their feedback has been valuable. This helps in building trust and openness for future feedback. Showing appreciation reflects humility and a willingness to grow. Gratitude also strengthens relationships and encourages future feedback. Overcoming challenges along the way

While this process looks straightforward, it is not always easy. There are common challenges you may encounter, which are:

Emotional reactions — Feedback can trigger emotional responses, especially when negative. If necessary, take time to cool off before responding or acting on the feedback. Separate your emotions from the information provided.

Overwhelming feedback — Sometimes, feedback can be overwhelming if it covers multiple areas. Prioritise the most critical feedback and focus on improving one area at a time.

Fear of criticism — This often stems from fear of failure or criticism. Embrace a growth mindset and see feedback as a growth opportunity. With the right mindset and a clear plan, feedback becomes the fuel that drives continuous improvement, helping you build greatness brick by brick.

Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and accomplished workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. He can be reached at: [email protected]