Embrace Feedback, Ensure Growth

I don't watch much TV. However, there are a few programmes I like to watch. One such programme is the popular Airtel Super Singer on Vijay TV.

For those of you who are not aware of this programme, it is a Singing competition-based TV show, which goes through many rounds and levels with elimination at different levels. The programme stretches to almost a year and culminates to a grand finale, where one of the participants gets to win the prestigious “Airtel Super Singer” title and a big prize.

I like to watch the programme, not just because I am fond of listening to songs, but it is because I like the way the panel of judges give comment or feedback about the performance, to the participants. What we usually find in this programme is the feedback starts with a big dose of appreciation on the participant's strong areas. Then they gently touch upon the weak points. The new terminology to describe one's weak point is “Areas for improvement” which is a positive phrase, to use while giving feedback. Amazingly it works well, because it does not hurt a person's ego. The areas of improvement could be the voice pitch, squeakiness of the voice, breathe control, pronunciation or whatsoever. The work of the judges is to motivate the participants to perform better and at the same time, bring to their awareness their shortfalls. The feedback given is often very specific, laser clear and sharp. This type of specific feedback gives ample opportunity for the participant to improve on those areas. And the feedback again ends in a positive note. The best part is they give this feedback in a soft and caring tone, with a warm smile. What I have interestingly observed is that the participants who take this feedback seriously and work on it, often make it to the top 10. Also, it is truly amazing to see that some of the participants, who are not so good at the entry stage of the competition, eventually transform themselves into excellent singers, by making conscious effort to change or improve on the areas identified as areas of improvement.

I have been a member of learning organization called Toastmasters. Toastmasters,  is all about practising public speaking in front of a small group of audience, who are fellow members. At the end of the speech, one of the members evaluates the speech. Here too the typical sandwich technique feedback is adopted. So, what is this sandwich technique? Like a sandwich which has the spicing filling in between and two slices of bread, the feedback starts with positive comments, then talks about the areas of improvement and again closes with a positive comment. This type of feedback has really helped members of our club to become better speakers.

Feedback is not criticism. There is a big difference between plain negative criticism and well-intended genuine feedback. Therefore when someone gives you a feedback, never take it as criticism. Never take it personal. Take it on your performance. Feedback is a way of appraising your performance. Feedback is necessary for growth. Believe me, not many people take active interest in you to point out your mistakes. Be thankful to them, rather than condemning them. People, who try to defend themselves when feedback is given to them, lose the opportunity to learn and grow. When we tend to reject feedback or justify our point, even the people who are genuinely interested in our growth, may stop giving feedback, fearing not to hurt us.

So, next time when someone gives you a feedback, be open to hear. Ask them to be more specific, as to what they think could be improved. Find out what they felt was good and what they felt that you could have done better. This will give scope for you to improve upon yourself. Even if you are doing it well, you can see how you can better your best. Remember, perfection is always a moving target. Be willing to embrace feedback and growth will be willing to embrace you.

D. Senthil Kannan,

Managing Trustee, PALMS, Tuticorin.

Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com