Feedback is a gift. An opportunity for insight, learning, development and improvement. Become an expert receiver with these two words.

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+44 (0) 7976 751 095 dan@danbeverly.com http://danbeverly.com
The Only 2 Words You Need
When Receiving Feedback 19 January 2016
Feedback is a gift. An opportunity for insight, learning, development
and improvement. Become an expert receiver with these two words.
Last week, I was invited to a meeting to give my
feedback. Not a work-thing; something in another part of
my life - an important thing. And so I gave diligent
thought to my feedback and prepared thoroughly for the
meeting.
In the meeting, as we stepped-through my feedback, each
point was met with explanation, justification, objection
and denial. (I should say initial feedback - I didn't get
very far through my points!)
What a waste of my time. And what a waste of their
opportunity.
Accepting the
gift of feedback
Feedback, in all its forms (solicited, unsolicited and
observational) is a precious gift. Feedback invariably
includes valuable insight - if only we could see it.
Feedback invariably includes valuable learning - if only
we could put our egos aside for a moment.
So simply say: "thank you".
You might not accept the content of the feedback. But
that's the next step in the process.
For now, in the moment of receiving feedback, accept the
act of giving and receiving feedback. Whether it's solicited
or unsolicited, "positive" or "negative", simply say "thank
you".
Anything else, and you risk throwing away the
embedded gems of insight and learning .
Become an expert
receiver of feedback
Of course, listening to feedback is hard. Many of us feel a
very deep connection between what we do and who we
are. So even depersonalised feedback (talking about the
task, not the person) can feel very personal.
And feedback is also a significant threat to social status - a
very important and deeply-hardwired circuit in the brain.
Our stomachs knot at the phrase: "can I give you some
feedback?"

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+44 (0) 7976 751 095 dan@danbeverly.com http://danbeverly.com
So practice receiving feedback.
1. See feedback as a gift.
2. Keep responses simple: say "thank you".
3. Know that only you can choose its meaning.
And if you're the one giving the feedback, make it easy
for the receiver to say their thank you's:
1. Be truthful and sincere.
2. Be supportive and helpful.
3. Focus only on the future.
Opportunities for learning
and improvement
Feedback is very useful for helping us see where we are,
where we are headed, and measuring our progress. If the
feedback gets through.
Maximise your opportunity for learning and improvement
by viewing feedback as a gift. And don't forget to say
"thank you"!
Dan Beverly is a leadership and performance coach helping high-calibre, high-
performing professional women embrace the pivotal career moments.
His mission is to inspire possibility in others: to help us excel in careers without
compromise; and to leave us feeling energised and uplifted by a new future.
Go online to book your complimentary “Session Zero” with Dan – and start
capitalising on your pivotal career moments today.
http://danbeverly.com/session-zero