Here's how you can maximize professional growth through giving and receiving feedback.

I once was in a situation in which two people in a group of seven wanted someone else brought in other than myself. They were malicious for a good while, and it colored how I was perceived by others. I had to both learn from it and overcome it. Had I done something they didn't like in that first meeting? How could I set a better first meeting with tricky people going forward? I started giving a lot more care to my first meetings to make sure that I was setting an intentional framework for someone's opinion, though still very genuine. In the end, I was successful in creating better relationships with these two people, and I learned a lot about staying ready for tricky people.

Being open to feedback requires humility and a willingness to grow. Early in my career, I was hesitant to receive feedback, fearing it might expose my weaknesses. However, I soon realized that feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Embracing openness means welcoming diverse perspectives and using them to refine your skills. This openness has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today, fostering a mindset geared towards continuous improvement.

Actively seeking feedback is crucial. Don’t wait for others to come to you. Approach your peers, mentors, and even your team members for their insights. When I launched Markman Media, I regularly sought feedback from clients and colleagues. This practice helped me identify areas for improvement and better serve my clients. Remember, seeking feedback is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows you are committed to becoming the best version of yourself.

Giving feedback can be just as valuable as receiving it. Constructive feedback should be specific, actionable, and delivered with empathy. Early in my career, I struggled with giving feedback, often fearing it might hurt relationships. Over time, I learned to frame my feedback in a way that focused on growth rather than criticism. For instance, when a team member at Markman Media needed improvement in client communication, I provided specific examples and offered support to help them develop their skills.

Processing feedback involves reflection and analysis. Take the time to understand the feedback fully before reacting. I remember receiving critical feedback on a presentation. Initially, it was tough to hear, but after reflecting on the points raised, I saw the validity in the comments. This led me to enhance my presentation skills significantly. Processing feedback thoughtfully ensures that you gain the maximum benefit from the insights provided.

Feedback is useless if it doesn’t lead to action. Implementing changes based on feedback shows that you value the input and are committed to improvement. After receiving feedback on my leadership style, I made conscious efforts to be more approachable and transparent with my team. This change fostered a more collaborative and trusting work environment, which positively impacted our productivity and morale.

Sustaining growth means continuously applying feedback to evolve. It’s not a one-time process but an ongoing journey. Regularly revisit the feedback you’ve received and assess how you’ve incorporated it into your work. At Markman Media, we have quarterly reviews where we reflect on past feedback and set new goals for growth. This practice has been crucial in maintaining our high standards and adapting to changing market needs.

Como gerente especialista en motivación, quiero compartir una clave fundamental para el éxito: la perseverancia. Aprender a superar desafíos y momentos de desánimo nos permite alcanzar nuestras metas. El éxito no se trata solo de talento, sino de levantarnos cada vez que caemos y seguir luchando. Les animo a mantenerse enfocados, no temer a los desafíos y recordar que cada obstáculo superado los acerca más a sus sueños. ¡Sigamos inspirándonos mutuamente y construyendo un camino lleno de logros! Juntos, podemos lograr grandes cosas.

A few years ago, I struggled with impostor syndrome, doubting my achievements and feeling like a fraud. Through open conversations and seeking feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors, I learned to see my value objectively. One mentor’s feedback, in particular, helped me realise that my insecurities were holding me back. By implementing their advice and continuously working on my self-confidence, I overcame these feelings and emerged stronger, which significantly boosted my professional growth.