As HR professionals, we understand the importance that feedback plays in the workplace and regularly advise managers on how to have effective feedback conversations. But how often do we seek honest and genuine feedback and self-reflect?
We all need feedback. It helps us become more aware of our strengths, identify areas for improvement, and provides us an avenue to acknowledge achievements. Seeking feedback can also have a positive impact on relationships as it builds trust, shows we value the opinions of others, and are willing to work on improving our performance.
Asking for and receiving feedback can be uncomfortable, but essential for growth and development. When receiving feedback, approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It can be easy to dismiss something we don’t agree with, but remember, we don’t often accurately see how others perceive us.
To effectively consider feedback, we also need to be willing to reflect on it. Self-reflection allows us to evaluate our performance and develop a plan to enhance our skills. Self-reflection is an ongoing process that requires regular introspection and the willingness to learn from our mistakes. HR professionals who engage in self-reflection can improve decision-making abilities and identify biases and prejudices that may be affecting their judgement.
Not sure where to begin? Here are our top tips
Seek feedback – Seeking feedback from a wide range of sources including managers, direct reports, and stakeholders (including those that will give you an honest assessment!) will help you grow personally and professionally.
The questions you ask them could be specific to a particular piece of work or more general that will support your development. Don’t put them on the spot and give them time to respond so that you are receiving considered feedback.
Reflect – We can’t learn if we don’t take the time to stop and intentionally reflect. This is relevant for the feedback we receive from others and our own internal feedback. It’s important to reflect on a range of situations, the good and the bad. When you are reflecting on feedback, there are some questions you can ask yourself – What’s something you’re proud of from the past month? How do you want to be seen in the workplace? What energises you at work? What drains you? When did you last fail and what did you learn from this?
Develop – Once you’ve sought feedback from external and internal sources, it’s time to consider how you can use it to grow and develop. What is this telling you? Perhaps there are some courses you can sign up for (check your own L&D or the Academy), or maybe you could find a mentor or a coach to help guide you in your development.
Seeking feedback and engaging in self-reflection can improve decision-making abilities, build stronger relationships, and demonstrate a commitment to growth and development.
Add it to your professional development plan today!