The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback

Feedback is important, yes, but it’s often not the massive deal we make it by overthinking and overanalyzing. If you approach giving feedback thoughtfully and keep an open mind when receiving it, the intended impact will be there without the overwhelm. 

In our panel discussion "The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback" our panelists Jen Pulsifer (Axonius), Courtney Fisher (Bandwidth), and Katie Capuzzo (WISE) shared ways on how you can give and receive feedback intentionally.

Here are some key takeaways to guide you in your professional journey.

The basics of giving feedback.

Methodologies like 1. Glow and Grow: calling out the positive and being open to other perspectives, and 2. SBI: framing feedback with situation, behavior, impact, help with clear delivery. 

Timing is also critical. Feedback should be given fresh, but not so soon that you haven't had time to process and ensure you're getting to the underlying issue vs. an emotional response.

Don't make it a big deal.

You don't have to have the perfect solution or talk track when delivering feedback. What's important is showing that you've thought about it. When issues arise, it can be easy to compartmentalize them into a dark corner, but you'll likely find that by bringing them to the light, everything is much less scary.

Be open to learning.

We all make mistakes and by getting feedback you have the opportunity to improve. However, like the Man in the Arena points out, not everyone in the stands gets a say. Pick your critics and advisors by considering who you trust, who will challenge you and who you admire.

Do the inner work.

If you view feedback as a personal attack, consider reading Dare to Lead & Braving the Wilderness.

Want to learn more? You can stream the full event recording here.

‍

More journeys from women leaders await at Journey Untold, a WISE podcast.

Need some career advice? Ask our experts at advice@womeninsaleseverywhere.com.

‍

‍Thank you to all of the WISE partners for making this event possible and our panelists for sharing their time and advice.