Hello! I hope you enjoy the blog du jour. Searching for inspiration each and every week to write blogs that are informative and interesting can be daunting. To this point, the feedback has been very encouraging and uplifting and for that I am grateful. On the other hand, I believe most people have a bit of difficulty digesting criticism.
STRIKING A CHORD
Let’s face it. If you have the courage to speak up, chances are you may strike a cord and receive positive reinforcement, receive no feedback (no news is good news,) or hit a nerve and become the target of someone’s ire. Criticism is something folks deal with daily, yet it doesn’t have to be aggressive, it can be constructive.
DON’T BE SHY
Although we may shy away from it, the right kind of critiquing is a highly effective tool to improve performance. Jobcase.com says the purpose of constructive criticism is to help the person receiving feedback improve. It can come in the form of performance reviews in the workplace or simply by means of casual conversation. For some this can be pretty uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to.
FEEDBACK
Personal attacks intended to make someone look bad or damage their self esteem is simply mean and unnecessary. Respectful and tactful feedback is acceptable, necessary and helpful. Something I learned long ago is it isn’t always what you say, it’s how you say it.
THAT’S AWKWARD.
Who hasn’t received feedback or constructive criticism that hasn’t felt awkward? I have been the recipient and it has made me feel insecure. Keep the following in mind. Without feedback, you don’t know whether you are doing a good job or not.
BUT HOW?
If you don’t often receive feedback, a confrontation might have you shaking in your boots. No need to panic. Jobcase.com offers some tips that will help you if you if you are the recipient.
- Recognize the benefit. Remind yourself that good things can come out of the criticism.
- Although challenging, avoid jumping to excuses. Listen attentively and absorb the critique instead of rushing to a response or worse yet, an unwanted reaction!
- ASK QUESTIONS. It’s time to clarify what you heard and ask questions you may have.
- REMAIN CALM. Controlling emotions may be challenging. To benefit from the feedback, it is important to stay in control of your emotions. Take a deep breath and remain calm.
- BE GRATEFUL. Although this one may sting, be sure and thank the person for the feedback for taking their time to deliver it. Feedback is an act of caring and deserves to be recognized as such.
“There is only one way to avoid criticism. Do nothing; say nothing; be nothing.”
-Elbert Hubbard
HDD
Yes, we at HDD have been the recipient of feedback. The majority have been kind and others aggressive. We strive to make them a learning tool to better ourselves for you. If we can help with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.