Today let’s talk about the importance of critical feedback.
Get this:
We all lack self-awareness.
Especially where we need it the most—in the area of personal growth.
As the saying goes,
We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
You follow?
We think we are terrible; when—in reality—we are doing ok. We think we are great; when we do above (or below or merely do) average.
Now if you didn’t notice, I’m currently looking for an apprenticeship in MC. (No, not McDonalds. MC = Marketing Communications.)
In life, you can’t be too cool for school.
Why should you? Really.
There are SO many opps to learn and grow and contribute …why miss them? Why not take advantage of them? Your life will soon be over anyway…
(No kiddin’.)
It’s great to learn from people who’ve been there done that, and who are now teaching you how to succeed too. Well, at least, to me…
Back to topic.
Recently I was invited to several, different interviews with international/prestigious/well-known companies.
And what I liked about one of them was the simple fact that they told me right after the interview (that also included various individual as well as group tasks; kind of an “assessment center,” so to speak) what I did right AND wrong.
In short, I learned that what I considered a weak spot of mine during the AC (i.e. presenting in front of a group) wasn’t that much of an issue. In fact, they told me I performed well. However, I interrupted others more than once (ouch!) … damn, I couldn’t believe it!
I mean CUTTING SOMEBODY SHORT. How rude is that?
Yes, it hurts. It definitely hurt my ego.
But then I asked myself the following question:
“Is this newly gained insight important for my ongoing personal growth and professional development? (I can’t change it anymore, anyway.)”
Hell yes!
And so, I stopped arguing.
(Admittedly, I asked them if they were absolutely sure …but no chance. They were, and are still, right. I did it. Couldn’t hold back my enthusiasm.)
What can YOU learn from this?
Be open to critical feedback.
Not any kind of feedback—critical feedback.
You gotta trust the other person(s) that they have your best interest at heart.
(Not always easy.)
And that they are 1000% honest with you.
(Hardly ever given.)
–Mario M. Montreal
P. S. For ongoing feedback, guidance, and 1000% honesty…
…Go here:
