He said WHAT? Mastering the Art of Receiving Feedback: A Guide for Founders and Entrepreneurs

This morning, I received a text from one of my clients that left me both frustrated and reflective. The text went something like this:

"I had the L10 meeting with my team and felt really good about it until after the meeting when one of my team members shared that the meeting was exhausting and depleted them. My team member went on to share that, in their old company, meetings like this took half the time. Now I’m doubting myself and have a loss of confidence.”

I was livid hearing that this team member was crushing my client’s confidence. In my initial reaction, I texted back things that weren’t very “leaderly” of me, such as:

- “You’re in charge, not him.”

- “He doesn’t like to be held accountable!”

- “Tell him to show up with a good attitude next time.”

UGH! What was I thinking?

Reflecting on this, I realized that leaders at ANY level have had similar experiences. We receive feedback that is hard to hear, and we REACT instead of RECEIVE. This moment of self-reflection led me to understand that I needed to give better direction to my client and, hopefully, to you as well.

Feedback is actually very helpful. It’s a way to improve! Here are five tips that can help founders and entrepreneurs be better prepared to handle feedback:

 1. Listen Actively

When someone offers feedback, give them your full attention. Avoid distractions and really focus on what they’re saying. Clarify any points you’re unsure about and reflect back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. This not only shows respect but also helps you fully grasp the feedback being given.

 2. Stay Open-Minded

It’s natural to feel defensive when receiving criticism, but it’s crucial to keep an open mind. Try to see the situation from the other person’s perspective. Their feedback could reveal blind spots you weren’t aware of, and acknowledging different viewpoints can lead to significant improvements.

 3. Express Gratitude

Thank the person for their feedback, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. Recognize the effort it took for them to share their thoughts. Showing appreciation helps build a culture where feedback is valued and encouraged.

 4. Take Action and Follow Up

If the feedback is actionable, take steps to address it. Inform the person who gave the feedback about the actions you’re taking. Providing updates on the progress and outcomes related to the feedback demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to improvement.

 5. Create a Safe Environment

Foster a culture where team members feel safe to speak up without fear of retaliation. Regularly schedule check-ins or feedback sessions to make giving and receiving feedback a norm. This will encourage honesty and openness within your team.

By incorporating these tips, founders and entrepreneurs can effectively manage feedback, leading to better team cohesion, enhanced performance, and a more engaged workforce.

Remember, feedback is a gift, even when it’s hard to hear. It’s an opportunity to grow and become better leaders. So, the next time you receive feedback, take a deep breath, listen actively, and view it as a stepping stone towards improvement.

Handling feedback gracefully is a skill that all leaders must develop. By expecting feedback and knowing how to receive it properly, founders and entrepreneurs can create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Use these tips to turn feedback into a powerful tool for growth and success.

For more insights on processing feedback effectively, I highly recommend reading this Harvard Business Review article: The Right Way to Process Feedback or a previous blog I wrote on the subject (you can tell I need a lot of help here!)

Shine Lesson Learned: Reacting impulsively to feedback can undermine your leadership. Take a moment to process and respond thoughtfully for better outcomes.

Need More Guidance?

If you find yourself struggling with feedback, mindset issues, or a lack of confidence, I'm here to help. Schedule a clarity call with me to get personalized support and guidance. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

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Shine on, Shannon