Tips for processing tough feedback

Here are some tips to help you process constructive feedback or if the rater you selected has a strong personality and can be sharp with his/her views.

• Environment: It is important that upon receiving a rating from the rater you make sure you are in a place, both physically and mentally, where you can process what is being shared.
• Process time: Give yourself a set amount of time (24-48 hours) where you will simply reflect on the feedback before reaching out to the rater for his/her perspective.
• Perspective: Take a step back to remember what your overall goal is and the value of the rater’s perspective. You invited him/her for a reason. Keep in mind that your rater is offering feedback in support of your goals so do your best to assume positive intent.
• Mentor: Seek input from a mentor on how to extract the insight from the feedback; a mentor can challenge your patterns and offer alternative viewpoints.
• Calibrate/check-in: As you get started, suggest a 5-minute check in with the rater to calibrate the “how” of giving feedback. As the learner, coach the rater on how to give you feedback you will best process. Within three weeks the need for check-ins tends to dissipate.