Most employers focus on giving feedback, directing how often the and suggesting how to do it better. However the authors argue that the emphasis might be better served by flipping the perspective. It is more important to learn how to receive feedback, afterall it is the receiver who decides if they will accept or adopt the feedback. Learning how to receive feedback well can improve areas of personal and professional relationships, self-confidence, learning and performance.
What about this book worked for me:
Besides being full of very practical and useful advice that can be immediately put into practice, it is very funny. The authors must have had a good time writing this book, because examples and scenarios are peppered with humour that made me laugh out loud. It offered clear and simple types of feedback, roadblocks to our receiving feedback and even how to navigate hostile feedback.
What about this book was problematic for me:
I wish I had read this book years ago, and then read it again later in my career journey. Learning how to receive feedback, without a framework, resulted in many missteps and negative feelings, both professional and personal.
Favorite Quotes:
“When we give feedback, we notice that the receiver isn’t good at receiving it. When we receive feedback, we notice that the giver isn’t good at giving it.”
“The key variable in your growth is not your teacher or your supervisor. It’s you.”
Top Takeaway:
This is an excellent book to read and share with team members. It will at least start the conversation on attitudes and perceptions of feedback and may reshape you and your team’s performance reviews moving forward. If you’re looking for one book this year to work on self-development, this would be my top pick.
Rating: 5/5