"The Courage to Receive Feedback and Correction"
Learning to be open to correction can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It's easy to see discipline as an enemy, but in reality, it's a powerful tool that can help you grow and achieve more than you ever thought possible. It’s a character trait that needs to be put into practice.
As a designer in the tech industry, I've come to realize the true value of feedback in shaping outstanding products. From my early days in design school, I learned the importance of detaching myself from my work and analyzing feedback from outsiders. This approach helps me identify gaps and recognize areas I may have missed during the design process. As a certified user experience researcher, I strive to understand my audience's needs and interactions with our products based on thorough research to help them complete their tasks. Yet, even with the best data-driven insights, continuous testing and feedback are crucial to continually improve our designs.
This practice doesn't just apply to product design but to life in general. Embracing a mindset of openness and humility when it comes to feedback and correction can help you identify areas for improvement and put your best foot forward. By regularly monitoring our habits and seeking feedback from wise counsels and experts, we can learn and grow from our experiences and become better individuals. So this week I invite you to welcome feedback into your life - it just might be the key to unlocking your true potential. A simple way to start is by doing an audit of your life.
Where is there a gap in your life?
Let's identify areas where you may be falling short or need improvement. Together we can identify patterns of behavior or thought that may be holding you back and work to address them. For example, if you consistently receive feedback that you struggle with time management, you may realize that you need to develop better organizational skills or prioritize your tasks more effectively. Here are some practices that could help:
Listen actively:
When someone is giving you feedback or correction, make sure to actively listen to what they are saying. This means being present in the moment, avoiding distractions, and focusing on what the person is saying - even when you don’t want to hear it, turn down the pride volume.
Stay calm:
Try to stay calm and composed when receiving corrections. Avoid getting defensive or angry, even if you don't agree with what the person is saying. Take a deep breath and try to see the situation from their perspective.
Ask questions:
If you're not sure what the person means or you need more information, don't be afraid to ask questions. This can help you better understand their perspective and clarify any misunderstandings.
Thank the person:
Even if you don't agree with what the person is saying, it's important to thank them for their feedback or correction. This shows that you value their input and are open to working on improving yourself.
Reflect on the feedback:
Take some time to reflect on the feedback or corrections you've received. Consider how it applies to your life and what changes you can make to improve. This can help you grow and become the best version of yourself.
