My Project: 365 Creative Writing Prompts
Day 29: Why Is Feedback Important
People like to believe that they do most things well. They trust their strengths but often ignore their weaknesses. Feedback, from a third party, usually offers an accurate assessment, but isn’t always accepted. Whether it’s praise or criticism, everyone should take a moment and evaluate why feedback is important.
Asking for feedback
Questions such as “What do you think?” and “Can I have your honest opinion?” are often met with trepidation. If family and friends like what they see, giving praise is easy, but if they have nothing good to say, do they dare voice what they really think? Giving an honest opinion isn’t always the best choice as it might hurt feelings and discourage the individual unnecessarily.
The feedback
When you’re asking for feedback, do you really value someone’s opinion or are you merely fishing for compliments? Keep in mind that family and friends are not the best sources of feedback. If they love you, they are biased. Most parents or good friends avoid deliberate criticism because they love you and will choose to encourage, rather than discourage.
The importance of feedback
The importance of praise is that it will encourage you. At a time when you’re feeling low or flat out of inspiration, hearing the words “you really have talent” can pick you up and motivate you to work with renewed vigor. Criticism is never as welcome, but positive criticism has motivational value as well.
Cooking.
If your family tells you that the veggies taste bland, you might learn how to use herbs and spices.
Habits.
Someone making the observation that you drive recklessly might make you more careful.
Workplace.
Being told you were late a few times this week will make you more punctual.
Writing.
The criticism that your story sounds a little weak will force you to take another look at the plot and the description of characters and settings.
How to give feedback
Not only is the process of feedback important, but how the feedback is given is even more so. Be considerate of the person’s feelings. If you’re not sure of something, put yourself in the person’s shoes and imagine how you would react to the feedback you’re about to deliver. Always be sincere when you praise and always balance a dose of criticism with praise.
You’re one of the most dedicated workers I know but…
I really like where you’re going with the story, but…
Your parking skills are superb, but…
How to take feedback
While praise might feed your ego, be careful not to let it go to your head. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. Learn from constructive feedback http://www.expressyourselftosuccess.com/the-importance-of-providing-constructive-feedback/.
If someone wants to share their knowledge with you, be open to suggestions. If the feedback you get is hurtful, move on and use it to make improvements. Even the greats had to put up with criticism and carried on regardless.
Why is feedback important? Because it helps you become a better you. Take full advantage of constructive criticism and don’t let the negative kind bother you. Feedback is only one person’s opinion and not every opinion will be the same.
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