How do you encourage honest feedback?

Input from bosses, co-workers, or employees is the best tool you have to improve your performance.

But you may be unintentionally sending the message that any criticism – constructive or not – is unwelcome. Even a slightly negative cue can effectively cut off communication.

Here’s how to convey that you’re open to input from others:

 Remember, giving feedback is a risk. Offering constructive criticism is like walking through a minefield. Thank those who take that risk. This reassurance will encourage them to keep communication open and honest.

 Assume they want to help. People who offer feedback are most likely doing so because they want to improve their relationship with you. Those who just want to gripe rarely tell you what they’re thinking.

 Assume the feedback is accurate. Perception is reality. If others say your actions have a negative effect on them, that’s the truth – regardless of what you intended. Explaining your intentions can help, but it doesn’t solve the problem. You must change your behavior to make a positive impact.

 Think now, act later. Exposing a shortcoming almost always hits a nerve, so distance yourself from feedback before you decide what to do about it.

Source: Teaming Up: Making the Transition to a Self-Directed, Team-Based Organization. Published by McGraw-Hill, 800-722-4726.

The Right Way to Handle Criticism:

How did you react the last time you were criticized by a teammate or your boss? Did you seethe in silence the rest of the day? Did you blame someone else for the problem – a teammate or a customer, for instance? What’s the right way to react to criticism?

Here are three tips:

 Don’t take it personally. If someone criticizes the way you handled a situation, don’t conclude that he or she is finding fault with you as a person. Separate your job performance from your personal self-image.

 Don’t let offhand criticism slide by. When someone directs offhand criticism at you, there’s probably a specific reason for it. Say, “It would help me to know exactly what I’m doing wrong so I can correct it.”

 Don’t tune out criticism you feel is unwarranted. You score points with people when you simply listen to what they say. Acknowledge you heard the criticism, thank the person for it and move on.