How to Receive Feedback
April 1st, 2007Finally we tackle a topic that we’re surprised no one asks about: How does one receive feedback? We know how to deliver it (even if far too many of us shy away from it all too often). But that’s only half the battle. One of the things many managers realize is that once you start giving feedback, you’re going to start receiving it as well.
Sometimes it’s well intentioned - your directs realize that you really mean it, and they’re willing to give you feedback. And yes, sometimes it’s intended to be a riposte from a nervous or insecure subordinate. But what’s great about receiving feedback effectively is that it sets a powerful example.
And we guarantee you the most effective way to receive feedback will surprise you.
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April 2nd, 2007 at 2:08 am
I was wondering why this was posted a day early…. I would never have realised that you guys would pull a subtle stunt like this, had me going for all of 6:33mins.
Thanks for rectifying it in the second half though, good job I didn’t start taking notes
April 2nd, 2007 at 2:12 am
How about some feedback…leave the jokes to the professionals. Wasting our time isn’t funny. I am a big fan of the MT podcasts, but I didn’t like this one.
April 2nd, 2007 at 5:24 am
I listened to the first few minutes late last night and then listened to the full cast this morning on the drive in to work. Classic, just loved it. The “prank” part is even better when you listen to it again knowing it is a joke. Thank you for brightning up my day.
April 2nd, 2007 at 6:47 am
Feedbacks could be negative and that’s what keeps most of us from speaking our mind. We certainly don’t want to be punished from saying something bad about the company.
I agree with you in sharing the feedback first. This could encourage them in bringing out their own idea.
April 2nd, 2007 at 7:10 am
haha - you guys had me going! I had to listen to that twice - because you guys pulled that off pretty good.
April 2nd, 2007 at 9:38 am
Brava! It is always great to start the day with a good laugh, although I think I startled the other passengers on the train. Another wonderful podcast. Keep up the good work!
April 2nd, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Got to represent the light-hearted listeners — I loved the joke.
April 2nd, 2007 at 1:07 pm
You guys are amazing! Leave it to Mark and Mike to pull a management effectiveness April Fool’s joke. What a great way to start my Monday commute. You had me laughing hysterically. I could sense there was something “different” at the start of the ‘cast but didn’t see the joke coming!
Galacticly funny!
April 2nd, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Hi Guys,
I am happy it was only a 1st. of April joke, because I heard that something was going on and I thought that you got into some sort of crisis, like husband and wife do and then they receive the family…. Well, luckly it is only once a year a day for nearly funny people. But otherwise I love you guys.
April 2nd, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Hey All-
Glad most of you liked the little joke.
We had fun doing it, and didn’t think 6 minutes would be too much to ask. Google had a link to sewer pipe high speed ethernet on their page yesterday, and gmail had something about paper based email.
It’s still a privilege, and often a treat.
Mark
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:56 am
Hi.
You certainly made my day. I guess I foiled the surprice because I read the comments first before listening to it. But based on the title, I thought it was something serious. I even listened to it twice.
April 3rd, 2007 at 5:17 am
Two questions about the podcast:
1) As a manager, when do you have to act on that feedback? I mean, I suppose you do not give your opinion on the feedback you are receiving at THAT moment but, it is appropiate to let your direct know (later) what you think about it? How long should you wait?
2) As the direct: maybe this goes back to the whole “feedback idea” but I would encurage you to see a 1930’s b&w movie called “The little shop around the corner” with James Stewart. In that movie, whenever the boss enters the room saying “Give me your opinion. I want your honest opinion!”, the most veteran sales clerk dives for the backroom, avoiding saying ANYTHING at all. Doesn’t that illustrate the problem with feedback from direct to manager? You can’t blame some directs from thinking it is best to keep their mouths shut.
Again this view is from a Spaniard, might be different in other cultures.
Regards
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:52 am
Hey guys,
Thanks for adding a little sunshine to the sometimes bland life that is corporate America. I thought your joke was well timed and it also gave us a little bit of a test of our practical quotient. In life, you’ll always need to bring your A-game to work with you and think on your feet. Those that are stuck on “just the facts” may miss nuiances that indicate alterior motives.
My attempt at Javier’s question: Reciving feedback is a tough pill to swallow, whether you are a boss or a subordinate. If I were a manager, I would give adequate time to reflect on the feedback and make a decision regarding it. I would make a decision in the best intentions, realizing that there will always be someone who disagrees. Other thoughts?
Best Regards,
Glynn Newby
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:58 pm
You guys are excellent. Glad to see you can keep it light.
April 4th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I thought the joke was great and I thought it was a good test for MT devotees. As I listened I thought “that is not what I would think you should do”. It is a sign that MT philosophy is ingrained.
Thanks for the work you do.
April 4th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Good one, Gentlemen. I am sure glad that I listened to more than the first six minutes or else I would be busy drawing away from people, giving blank stares, and providing short and terse responses (or at least more than normal).
Thanks for making my day.
April 5th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Sidd Finch! Which, by the way, got me hook, line and sinker.
April 5th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
WVH-
I told the Sidd Finch story to Mike before the show, with the whole “first letter of each line spelling out April Fools”… and I was COMPLETELY skewered. I thought that George Plimpton wrote it, but I surely made that up in my head.
It’s fun to return the favor every once in a while.
Mark
April 7th, 2007 at 9:25 am
As a life long Mets fan, I am still waiting for Sydd (correct spelling) Finch. And yes Mark, Plimpton did write it.
April 10th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Question: When receiving feedback how do you actually deal with what the other person said? I mean, I can work on getting excited to hear feedback. That’s no problem- I’m glad to do it. But what if their suggestion is one that they’re wrong about? Or that I disagree with? Or that I can’t do anything about?
I’m excited to improve- that’s not the issue. The issue is where do you draw the line between listening eagerly and doing the feedback?
April 11th, 2007 at 12:09 am
QBeal-
Who said anything about suggestions? You’re supposed to come up with the corrective action, or just say thanks.
Mark
April 13th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
You guys got me good this morning listening to this podcast. I’m thinking, “wow, I really know nothing about receiving feedback!” - whew! Great podcast (as always).
From a new listener and a big fan!
Yasmin A.
April 13th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for you reply Mark. I found a lot of the answer to my question in the podcast called Mirco Communications (part 2).
April 15th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
You had me going! I was thinking wow I usually agree with everything you say bit this sounds off! I am glad you didn’t let me down. I had a good laugh over that. Love the podcasts! Keep them coming. They help pass the time, in a productive way, on my two-hour commute every day.
Dave B.