Last updated on Jun 20, 2024

Here's how you can handle feedback you disagree with.

Receiving feedback that doesn't align with your perspective can be challenging, but it's a critical aspect of personal and professional growth. When faced with such feedback, your initial reaction might be defensive or dismissive. However, it's important to approach this situation with an open mind and a strategy to effectively manage and learn from the feedback, even if you initially disagree with it. By doing so, you can enhance your decision-making skills, foster better communication, and potentially uncover valuable insights that can lead to improvement.

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1 Listen Fully

When you're presented with feedback, especially if it's unexpected or critical, the first step is to listen actively. This means giving the person speaking your full attention, not interrupting, and not formulating a response while they're still talking. By truly listening, you show respect for the other person's perspective and you might catch nuances that you would otherwise miss. Active listening also provides you with a complete picture of the feedback, which is essential for understanding the underlying issues and for formulating an informed response.

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2 Reflect Calmly

After receiving feedback, take a moment to reflect on what was said before reacting. This pause allows you to process the information calmly and to separate your emotional response from the content of the feedback. Consider why the feedback was given and what it's really about. Is it about your work, behavior, or the outcome of a particular situation? Reflecting on the intent and content of the feedback without immediately jumping to conclusions can help you respond in a more measured and constructive way.

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3 Analyze Fairly

Once you've listened to and reflected on the feedback, analyze it objectively. Consider the validity of the points raised and how they align with your own self-assessment and goals. Are there any truths in what was said? Could there be misunderstandings or different perspectives that you haven't considered? Evaluating feedback fairly can help you determine whether it's a valuable critique that you can use to make positive changes or if it's something that may not be applicable to your situation.

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4 Question Constructively

If you find aspects of the feedback unclear or you genuinely disagree with certain points, ask questions. This should be done constructively, with the aim of gaining clarity and understanding, not as a way to challenge the giver. Inquire about specific examples or situations that led to the feedback and ask for suggestions on how you might improve. Engaging in a dialogue shows that you're open to growth and willing to work on any issues identified.

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Katerina Petrou

Personal Assistant at the IET
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Whilst it is integral to listen attentively to somebody providing you feedback, you do not always have to agree them. Mostly, criticism is a gift. Somebody is helping you to improve on something you want to achieve. Though, you must not listen to everybody. Each of us owns opposing views on success. You could not possibly fit all of the moulds at once. If somebody criticises you on something simply not factual, get your facts straight. Calmly present a counter-argument with evidence and examples. Others may want you to take unfair criticism constantly, mouth sealed and head nodding. This will achieve nothing. Listen to the feedback that you need and question that you do not. If they truly want to help you, they will respect this.

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5 Decide Wisely

After thoroughly considering the feedback, it's time to decide how to move forward. You may choose to accept some or all of the feedback and make changes accordingly. Alternatively, if after careful consideration you still disagree with the feedback, you can choose not to act on it. The key is to make this decision based on thoughtful analysis and not on an emotional or defensive reaction. Remember, the ultimate goal is your growth and improvement.

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6 Communicate Clearly

Whether you agree or disagree with the feedback, communicate your thoughts clearly and respectfully. If you're accepting the feedback, outline your plans for how you will address the issues raised. If you're not accepting it, explain your reasoning in a way that is constructive and not confrontational. Clear communication can help maintain a positive relationship with the person who provided the feedback and can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Antonio Barquet Kuri

Pricing & Revenue + CRM + Big Data + Business Development + Commercial Strategy
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Handling feedback that you disagree with is an art in itself. I've found that the first step is to truly listen without immediately reacting. This helps in understanding the perspective of the person offering the feedback. Often, itâ€™s not about right or wrong, but about different viewpoints. Reflecting on the feedback with an open mind can reveal underlying truths or areas of improvement that were not initially apparent. In the end, disagreeing with feedback doesn't have to be a negative experience; instead, it can be a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. ðŸŒŸðŸ¤ #Leadership #Feedback #GrowthMindset #ContinuousImprovement #CommunicationSkills

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Here's how you can handle feedback you disagree with.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen Fully

2 Reflect Calmly

3 Analyze Fairly

4 Question Constructively

5 Decide Wisely

6 Communicate Clearly

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Decision-Making

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Directory

Here's how you can handle feedback you disagree with.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen Fully

2 Reflect Calmly

3 Analyze Fairly

4 Question Constructively

5 Decide Wisely

6 Communicate Clearly

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Decision-Making

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