What do you do if the feedback you receive in a social impact job is unhelpful and discouraging?
Receiving unhelpful and discouraging feedback in a social impact job can be disheartening. It's crucial to remember that your work is aimed at making a positive difference, and feedback should ideally help you grow and enhance your impact. However, when it falls short, it's important to navigate the situation thoughtfully. This article will guide you through steps to deal with unhelpful feedback, ensuring you stay motivated and continue to contribute meaningfully to your cause.
Before reacting to feedback, take a moment to assess it critically. Determine whether the feedback is constructive or merely critical without providing actionable advice. Reflect on whether it's based on specific incidents or general impressions. Sometimes, feedback can be a mix of valid points and unfair criticism. It's your job to sift through it, recognizing which parts can lead to professional growth and which may be disregarded due to a lack of substance.
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Christopher Salem
Receiving critical or discouraging feedback in a social impact job can be tough, especially when you're passionate about the work. In those situations, I try to step back and remember that the feedback, even if poorly delivered, is likely intended to be constructive. I give myself time to process it before reacting. Then, I look for any kernels of truth or opportunities for growth, while also having confidence in my abilities and not taking the criticism as a blanket indictment. If the feedback still seems off-base, I respectfully follow up for clarity and provide context about my approach, maintaining an open dialogue.
If feedback is vague or confusing, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's important to understand the perspective of the person providing it. Approach them politely and express your desire to improve by understanding their comments more deeply. This not only shows your commitment to personal and professional development but also might reveal insights into their expectations, which could be helpful moving forward.
Take some time for internal reflection. Consider how the feedback aligns with your self-perception and your understanding of your role. Sometimes, there might be a disconnect between how others perceive your work and your intentions. Reflecting can help identify areas where you can communicate more effectively about your efforts or adjust your approach to better align with your organization's goals.
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Cayden Brown
Human, 17-year-old Youth Defense Attorney, Award–winning Activist, Keynote Speaker, Director of Trespass Project
Reflect on the feedback internally. Consider your own perceptions of your performance and compare them with the feedback received. Identify any blind spots or areas where your self-assessment might differ from external observations.
Engage in a constructive conversation with the person who provided the feedback. Approach this dialogue with the intent to understand and not to confront. Express how the feedback made you feel without placing blame. Use "I" statements to communicate your perspective and work together to develop a clearer understanding of expectations and how you can meet them.
After processing the feedback, create an action plan. Focus on the aspects of the feedback that were useful and devise strategies to improve in those areas. Set clear, achievable goals for yourself and, if possible, involve your supervisor or a mentor in this process. They can provide additional guidance and support as you work on your professional development.
Finally, maintain perspective. Remember that feedback is just one person's opinion and doesn't define your entire contribution to social impact work. Balance the feedback against your own knowledge of your performance and the positive impact you've made. Stay focused on your mission and use this experience as a stepping stone for personal growth and improved social impact.
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Cayden Brown
Human, 17-year-old Youth Defense Attorney, Award–winning Activist, Keynote Speaker, Director of Trespass Project
Maintain perspective by focusing on your long-term goals and the bigger picture of your work. Remember that feedback, even if unhelpful or discouraging, is a tool for growth. Reframe negative feedback as an opportunity to develop resilience and improve your skills.
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