Here's how you can handle conflicting feedback from a superior.

Receiving conflicting feedback from your superior can be perplexing and challenging. It's a common scenario in the workplace where different supervisors may have varying expectations and perspectives. The key to handling such situations is to remain professional and use the feedback to your advantage. This article will guide you through the process of dealing with contradictory advice or directions from your superiors, ensuring you maintain your composure and continue to develop in your career.

1 Seek Clarification

When faced with conflicting feedback, your first step should be to seek clarification. Approach the person who provided the feedback and express your confusion honestly. Ask for specific examples to understand their perspective better. This shows that you are proactive and willing to learn. It also helps to clear up any misunderstandings and provides you with a clearer direction on how to proceed.

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Samir Geepee (The Clarity Game™)

I help CEOs & HR Professionals Transform Siloed Thinkers Into Collaborative Leaders ► Gamification ► Leadership ROI ► Cultural Alignment ► Peer Coaching Behaviors ► Measurable Outcomes
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It involves a structured approach: 1. Stay Calm: Approach the situation with a calm and open mindset. 2. Clarify: Seek clarification by asking specific questions to understand the feedback better. 3. Document: Keep a record of the feedback for reference and to identify patterns. 4. Prioritize: Focus on actionable items and prioritize based on the feedback’s relevance to your goals. 5. Discuss: Schedule a meeting to discuss the conflicting feedback, aiming to resolve discrepancies and understand expectations. 6. Seek Input: If needed, seek input from other colleagues or mentors for additional perspectives. 7. Implement: Develop a plan to address the feedback constructively, demonstrating your commitment to improvement.

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Jessica Tietjen

✨CEO & Founder |🧠NeuroPerformance Partner |HR/Ops Leader |📖Author |🎙️Speaker & Podcast Host | Leadership Coach | We expand 🧬human capacity by evolving work practices w/ neuroscience to create exceptional results
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The best method for seeking clarification is to ask “what do you need me to know or understand about this?” “Why is it important to you that I receive this communication, what is it important? And “what do you want me to do or take action on based on this communication”

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Antonio Rodellar Royo

Sanitas | Especialista en Seguros de Salud. Ayudo a Agentes y Corredores de Seguros a Desarrollar e Incrementar su Negocio.
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Evidentemente ante comentarios u órdenes contradictorias se debe buscar una aclaración. No indica que no seas capaz de llevar a cabo la tarea/proyecto sino que hay algo que necesitas que te aclaren para poder realizarlo de manera efectiva.

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2 Compare Inputs

Once you've received clarification, compare the inputs you've been given. Look for common themes or areas of agreement between the differing pieces of feedback. This can help you identify the core issues that need addressing. It's possible that the conflicting feedback is actually complementary when viewed from a broader perspective, offering you a more comprehensive understanding of your performance.

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3 Prioritize Feedback

After comparing the inputs, prioritize the feedback based on its relevance to your role and your career goals. Some feedback may be more actionable or beneficial than others. Consider which pieces of advice align with your job requirements and personal growth plans. This will help you focus on making improvements that are most significant for your professional development.

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4 Develop a Plan

With a clear understanding of the feedback, develop an action plan. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to address the feedback. Your plan should outline the steps you will take to incorporate the feedback into your work. By having a structured approach, you can systematically work on improving your performance and resolving any issues highlighted by your superiors.

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Antonio Rodellar Royo

Sanitas | Especialista en Seguros de Salud. Ayudo a Agentes y Corredores de Seguros a Desarrollar e Incrementar su Negocio.
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Siempre es necesario establecer un plan de acción antes de acometer un proyecto o tarea, delimitando los objetivos, los pasos a realizar y el beneficio esperado (para poder corregir desviaciones en el resultado).

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5 Communicate Progress

Keep an open line of communication with your superiors regarding your progress. Inform them about the steps you're taking to address the feedback and any improvements you've made. This demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and can also help you receive ongoing support and guidance. Regular updates can also lead to further clarification or adjustment of the feedback as needed.

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6 Reflect and Adjust

Finally, take time to reflect on the feedback and your response to it. Assess the outcomes of the changes you've implemented. Are they working as expected? Do you need to make further adjustments? Reflection is a key component of professional growth, allowing you to learn from experiences and adapt your approach for future success. Remember that feedback is an ongoing process and requires flexibility and resilience.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can handle conflicting feedback from a superior.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Seek Clarification

2 Compare Inputs

3 Prioritize Feedback

4 Develop a Plan

5 Communicate Progress

6 Reflect and Adjust

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

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Here's how you can handle conflicting feedback from a superior.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Seek Clarification

2 Compare Inputs

3 Prioritize Feedback

4 Develop a Plan

5 Communicate Progress

6 Reflect and Adjust

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

Rate this article

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