Keep Breathing 7 Empowering Tips for Receiving Feedback by Beth Boynton, RN, MS (Originally published in Confident Voices 6/09) I used to be pretty defensive, but with education, practice, personal work and new experiences, I have become more open to receiving feedback. For many of us this isn’t easy, and yet feedback is a vital source of information about how we are perceived in the world. In addition, when given respectfully, feedback is a gift that can help us build relationships, participate in creative problem-solving, and evolve as human beings. Here is a list that you can use to optimize learning and minimize discomfort the next time you are in the position to receive feedback. 1. Breathe. Remember you are a worthy person, separate from your actions and behaviors. Feedback is from the giver’s perspective, and you can choose what to take in. 2. Consider your choices. Is it a good or at least reasonable, time and place for feedback? Is there a way to schedule a dialogue soon, that allows you to honor any needs you have around time, vulnerability, place, or other issues? I do want to hear what you have to say, but have to be in a meeting in 5 minutes. Are you available after school or before classes tomorrow? I want to hear your feedback. I would like to find a private setting. Are you available to have coffee after work? If this is a structured personnel evaluation at work, you may have less choice about when and where, but you can always ask. I’ve had a very stressful day. Can we postpone my evaluation until next week? I’d like to be more rested and receptive than I am at the moment. 3. Listen carefully & try to drop your defensiveness. Paraphrase the information you are receiving to make sure you understand the information. Validate their perspective and ask questions for clarity. Repeat number 1 above! It sounds as if you were upset and surprised about the way I handled the situation with my patient’s family that involved pain medication. I’m also hearing that you are worried about me. Am I understanding you correctly? 4. Acknowledge the feedback. Let the person know you have heard him/her and that you will consider the feedback. I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and value your perspective. I’d like to take some time and reflect on it. 5. Take time to sort out what you have heard. Give yourself time and space to assimilate and evaluate the information. Remember that it's not necessary to agree or disagree with the feedback. It is simply information. Let go of the need to justify, defend, or explain your actions. Don't over-internalize the feedback (i.e. assume it is all true). 6. Be honest with yourself. Use feedback as an opportunity to create greater self- awareness. Explore any feelings created by the feedback. Give yourself credit. Receiving feedback can be hard work. I find that the more secure I am, the easier it is for me to take in feedback from others. I have learned to take things less personally and respect my needs as part of the process. All sorts of variables may come into play, such as; my relationship with the giver of feedback, what is going on in my life, how hungry I am, and even the weather! So I do my best. Feedback can be extremely rewarding. On a personal level, it can lead to more awareness, trust, and creativity. In the workplace, it contributes to safe and high-quality care, positive workplaces, and increased job satisfaction! Please feel free to contact me as I’m always happy to get your feedback. Browse More Popular Articles Beth Boynton, RN, MS, is an organizational development consultant and author of Confident Voices: The Nurses’ Guide to Improving Communication & Creating Positive Workplaces. ( Special book offer: SAVE 20% NOW at Beth's EStore Use coupon code: D359FSBP ) She is an adjunct faculty member with New England College and publishes the free e-newsletter: Confident Voices for Nurses. She has published numerous articles, offers a variety of workshops, and can be reached at bbbboynton@earthlink.net or 207-752-0826. Or visiit bethboynton.com

Keep Breathing

7 Empowering Tips for Receiving Feedback

by Beth Boynton, RN, MS

(Originally published in Confident Voices 6/09)

I used to be pretty defensive, but with education, practice, personal work and new experiences, I have become more open to receiving feedback.

For many of us this isn’t easy, and yet feedback is a vital source of information about how we are perceived in the world. In addition, when given respectfully, feedback is a gift that can help us build relationships, participate in creative problem-solving, and evolve as human beings.

Here is a list that you can use to optimize learning and minimize discomfort the next time you are in the position to receive feedback.

1. Breathe. Remember you are a worthy person, separate from your actions and behaviors. Feedback is from the giver’s perspective, and you can choose what to take in.

2. Consider your choices. Is it a good or at least reasonable, time and place for feedback? Is there a way to schedule a dialogue soon, that allows you to honor any needs you have around time, vulnerability, place, or other issues?

I do want to hear what you have to say, but have to be in a meeting in 5 minutes. Are you available after school or before classes tomorrow?

I want to hear your feedback. I would like to find a private setting. Are you available to have coffee after work?

If this is a structured personnel evaluation at work, you may have less choice about when and where, but you can always ask.

I’ve had a very stressful day. Can we postpone my evaluation until next week? I’d like to be more rested and receptive than I am at the moment.

3. Listen carefully & try to drop your defensiveness. Paraphrase the information you are receiving to make sure you understand the information. Validate their perspective and ask questions for clarity. Repeat number 1 above!

It sounds as if you were upset and surprised about the way I handled the situation with my patient’s family that involved pain medication. I’m also hearing that you are worried about me. Am I understanding you correctly?

4. Acknowledge the feedback. Let the person know you have heard him/her and that you will consider the feedback.

I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and value your perspective. I’d like to take some time and reflect on it.

5. Take time to sort out what you have heard. Give yourself time and space to assimilate and evaluate the information. Remember that it's not necessary to agree or disagree with the feedback. It is simply information. Let go of the need to justify, defend, or explain your actions. Don't over-internalize the feedback (i.e. assume it is all true).

6. Be honest with yourself. Use feedback as an opportunity to create greater self- awareness. Explore any feelings created by the feedback.

7. Give yourself credit. Receiving feedback can be hard work.

I find that the more secure I am, the easier it is for me to take in feedback from others. I have learned to take things less personally and respect my needs as part of the process. All sorts of variables may come into play, such as; my relationship with the giver of feedback, what is going on in my life, how hungry I am, and even the weather! So I do my best. Feedback can be extremely rewarding. On a personal level, it can lead to more awareness, trust, and creativity. In the workplace, it contributes to safe and high-quality care, positive workplaces, and increased job satisfaction!

Please feel free to contact me as I’m always happy to get your feedback.

Browse More Popular Articles

Beth Boynton, RN, MS, is an organizational development consultant and author of Confident Voices: The Nurses’ Guide to Improving Communication & Creating Positive Workplaces. ( Special book offer: SAVE 20% NOW at Beth's EStore Use coupon code: D359FSBP )

She is an adjunct faculty member with New England College and publishes the free e-newsletter: Confident Voices for Nurses. She has published numerous articles, offers a variety of workshops, and can be reached at bbbboynton@earthlink.net or 207-752-0826. Or visiit bethboynton.com