Take a moment to evaluate how you typically respond to feedback by completing the quiz below. Afterward, don’t miss Dr. Mitchell’s insightful strategies for managing feedback like a pro.
Receiving feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth, yet many individuals grapple with anxiety around it. This fear can hinder progress toward your goals and strain relationships with those providing feedback. This quiz aims to help you understand your relationship with criticism.
The Quiz
- When contemplating feedback on your recent project, how likely are you to anticipate negative comments?
(A) I usually expect positive feedback because I consider myself capable.
(B) I feel a bit anxious about negative comments but can handle it.
(C) I often assume the feedback will be unfavorable. - If your manager highlights nine strengths and one area for improvement, how do you typically respond?
(A) I think of practical steps to maintain my positive feedback.
(B) I appreciate the positives but the critique sticks with me slightly.
(C) The negative feedback bothers me for days. - How confident are you in dealing with constructive criticism?
(A) I trust my ability to make necessary changes.
(B) I might dwell on it for a bit, but I usually bounce back.
(C) I worry it would be too painful to face the person who critiqued me. - How often do you personalize negative feedback?
(A) I don’t usually take feedback personally.
(B) I recognize when I do, and I try to correct my thinking.
(C) Negative feedback feels like a personal attack on me. - How likely are you to shy away from feedback?
(A) I embrace feedback as a valuable resource.
(B) I tend to avoid feedback in certain areas of my life.
(C) I only seek feedback when absolutely necessary; I’d prefer to avoid it altogether. - When someone behaves oddly towards you without explanation, how do you typically react?
(A) I remind myself their behavior might relate to them, not me.
(B) I worry that I’ve upset them and try to compensate.
(C) I can’t stop thinking about what I might have done wrong. - If you ask someone if these jeans make you look fat, are you genuinely ready for their answer?
(A) Absolutely.
(B) Yes, but I hope they choose their words carefully.
(C) Not in the slightest.
Understanding Your Score
- Mostly A’s: You view feedback as constructive and aren’t easily threatened by it. You can process criticism without taking it personally and are generally confident in your ability to implement change.
- Mostly B’s: You have a slight tendency to expect negativity in feedback. You can manage to see the positives, but the negatives can linger in your mind longer than you’d like.
- Mostly C’s: Feedback triggers significant anxiety for you. You often feel vulnerable and expect negativity, leading to avoidance of situations where feedback might arise. This fear can hold you back from opportunities, as you might shy away from further exposure.
Strategies to Handle Criticism
- Shift Your Perspective: Train yourself to consider that feedback might not be personal. If you feel anxious and overhear a conversation, remind yourself that it might not be about you.
- Practice Receiving Feedback: Start by seeking feedback from someone who has a positive view of you. This can help ease your defensiveness and make feedback feel less threatening.
- Request Small Doses of Feedback: If you find feedback daunting, ask for it in smaller increments. Instead of seeking input from a large group, try one person at a time to help you process the information without feeling overwhelmed.
- Acknowledge Your Sensitivity: Remember, being sensitive to feedback is a common human trait. It’s not a flaw; it’s part of what helps us navigate social dynamics. Embrace your desire for acceptance as a natural aspect of being human.
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Summary
Understanding your response to feedback can significantly influence your growth and relationships. By recognizing your tendencies and employing strategies to handle criticism, you can create a healthier relationship with feedback and enable personal growth.
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