Social Light

When you are running a business, feedback is crucial to your success. Having real people tell you what’s working, and what’s not, can help you refine your products and services so you are offering things that people really want.

Logically most people get that. Unfortunately hearing something negative often triggers an emotional response that throws logic out the window.

So here a few things to keep in mind when it comes to feedback.

#1: Don’t ask for feedback unless you really want it.
If all you want is someone to endorse your ideas, you’re not really looking for feedback. If you truly want to improve things, you’re going to need to toughen up and prepare to hear things that may upset you.

#2: Give it time
When you hear something negative, your first reaction is to give someone the finger. That’s okay.

Give them the finger privately and then go do something else. Wait a few hours for the emotions to pass, then come back to their notes and really think about what they said.

You may decide you still don’t agree, but at the very least consider their perspective and if there might be something you could improve.

#3: Say thank you
If someone has taken the time to give you feedback, say thank you – even if you have to grit your teeth to do it.

#4: Use it
If you’ve found something that needs to be improved about your business, don’t sit on it. Put it into practice and see if it makes a difference.