What is feedback and why is it important?

We need to define what we actually mean by feedback

"If we never learn to take something apart, test the assumptions, and reconstruct it, we end up trapped in what other people tell us — trapped in the way things have always been done." - FS

A lot of concepts appearing to be feedback are NOT helpful to our development, or at least, not in on their own.  

Myths about Feedback

1. Feedback is my performance review

Hard no. We should see opportunities for feedback in everyday life. A good performance review will include feedback, but they're not the same.  

2. Feedback is usually negative or focuses on what I'm doing doing wrong

Some of the most useful feedback I've received focuses on what went right, so that I can focus on repeating it next time. In systems thinking, this is called a reinforcing feedback loop, and leads to exponential growth!

3. The person giving the feedback "has the right answer"

Most of the feedback you will receive says more about the person giving the feedback than you.  Their feedback is shaped by their experience and perception of the world.  Take what value you can from any feedback, ask questions to understand more, and then decide for yourself.  Seek out feedback especially from people you trust and admire, who care about you.

4. I need to action all feedback I receive

Firstly, see #3. Trying to work on more than one developmental area is tough.  You should consider all feedback you receive and then decide which feedback is worth actioning. 

5. Feedback is only a workplace thing

Nope, at work, at home, at a restaurant that gave you bad service - in every aspect of life there are opportunities for feedback.

6. Feedback is always intentionally given and direct

Any information that you receive about the impact of your actions is feedback.  Sometimes no response at all is feedback.  We should all be more open to perceiving the feedback loops all around us.

More coming soon...