What do you do if you receive feedback that contradicts your professional opinion?
Navigating the waters of professional feedback can be tricky, especially when it challenges your own opinions. It's an inevitable part of growth and learning in any career, but how you handle such feedback can significantly impact your professional development. When faced with this situation, it's essential to approach the feedback with an open mind, considering the possibility that there might be validity to the points raised. This doesn't mean you should automatically discount your expertise, but rather use the opportunity to reassess your stance and possibly gain a new perspective.
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Angelique LetiziaFounder & CEO of Starr Films Director | Writer | Producer | EP✨ Author BLACKOUT (Speculative Fiction Series) | Writer…
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Lily SawyerSenior Editor @ Outlook Publishing | Creative Content
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Adam KnorrReplaced my finance salary in 18 months by writing online. Follow me to learn how to become a better writer and make $…
When you receive feedback that contradicts your professional opinion, the initial step is to remain calm and composed. Reacting defensively or with frustration can close off constructive dialogue and damage your professional relationships. Instead, take a deep breath and acknowledge the feedback received. This doesn't mean you agree with it, but it shows respect for the other person's perspective and sets the stage for a rational discussion.
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When receiving feedback that contradicts my professional opinion, I approach it with an open mind and professionalism. Firstly, I carefully evaluate the feedback to understand the perspective and reasoning behind it. If the feedback has merit or offers valuable insights, I consider incorporating it into my work to enhance its quality. However, if I still believe in the validity of my professional opinion, I respectfully communicate my rationale, providing evidence and examples to support my viewpoint. Ultimately, I strive to find common ground or a compromise that aligns with both the feedback and my expertise, fostering constructive dialogue and growth.
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Receiving feedback that contradicts your professional opinion can be challenging, but it's an opportunity for growth. I see it as a chance to reassess my perspective, learn from diverse viewpoints, and refine my approach. After all, innovation thrives on healthy debate and the courage to challenge our own beliefs. Embracing conflicting feedback with an open mind not only fosters personal development but also enriches the collective wisdom of the team.
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Perhaps the fact that strangers are addressing you on Linkedin means that they are looking to connect with profiles similar in background or tastes and that they find it in your publications or in your work or solidarity file. I leave this as a reflection for the analysts of dating networks, because they may be neglecting a niche market: those who seek to discover what they do not give them. And I don't mean that they open a professional door for them. You know what I mean...
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When faced with feedback contradicting my professional opinion, I approach it with an open mind and humility. I assess the validity of the feedback, considering different perspectives and potential biases. If it aligns with broader consensus or offers valuable insights, I adapt my viewpoint accordingly. However, if after careful consideration I find my opinion remains well-founded, I respectfully communicate my reasoning, fostering constructive dialogue to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. Professional growth often stems from embracing diverse perspectives and challenging our own assumptions.
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Seeking feedback typically entails nuanced conversation and banter about the suggested changes. If your professional opinion "contradicts" suggestions, your feelings are probably guiding your responses. Only seek feedback when you have the maturity to talk through the full analysis of your work without allowing personal feelings to interfere.
Listening is more than just hearing words; it's about understanding the intent and content behind the feedback. Give the person your full attention, resisting the urge to interrupt or formulate a response before they've finished speaking. This demonstrates respect and may provide insights into why they see things differently. It's also an opportunity to identify any misunderstandings that may have led to the contrasting viewpoints.
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Despite how strongly you may feel your professional opinion is the correct one, having the grace to take a step back, listen objectively to what your critic has to say, and view your opinion through a different lens may be a useful, proactive practice. Although this may not alter your personal opinion in any way, it may prove insightful to understand alternative perspectives on the matter, giving you space to consider where others are coming from.
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Being authentically curious will help you listen to find potentially valuable information in the answer you receive even if you don't agree with the information that's being shared. I always try to keep these questions in the back of my mind: What can I learn from this interaction itself? Why do they value that advice so highly when I've seen it isn't effective? What about the way they're sharing this information with me is helpful on its own? These questions help open any filter that might block out useful information due to any judgment I feel.
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Listening involves more than simply hearing words; it entails grasping the intent and meaning behind the feedback. To truly understand, give your undivided attention without interrupting or prematurely responding. This shows respect and offers insights into differing perspectives, potentially uncovering valuable clarifications. Being genuinely curious allows you to extract potentially valuable insights from the feedback, even if you disagree with it. Asking questions such as "What can I learn from this interaction?" or "Why does this advice hold significance for them?" helps to remove any filters that may block useful information due to personal judgment. This approach enhances the ability to glean insights from diverse viewpoints.
Once you've heard the feedback, take time to analyze it critically. Consider the source's expertise, the context of their comments, and the potential impact of their suggestions on your work. Reflect on whether there is evidence to support their viewpoint and if it aligns with or challenges current best practices in your field. This analytical approach allows you to weigh the feedback without bias.
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Feedback is essential for any writer to grow as an artist. While constructive criticism can be valuable there's a crucial voice often overlooked, your own intuition. Trusting your gut in handling feedback is paramount Embrace feedback that resonates with your vision and throw the rest away. The only caveat to this is if you keep receiving the same note you may want to consider adjusting. Other than that, listen attentively, but trust your inner voice. ✨
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Feedback is crucial for a writer's growth, but don't overlook your intuition. Trust your gut when handling feedback. Embrace what resonates with your vision and discard the rest. However, if you repeatedly receive the same note, consider adjusting. Analyze feedback critically by considering the source's expertise, context, and potential impact on your work. Reflect on evidence supporting their viewpoint and its alignment with current best practices. This approach allows you to weigh feedback without bias.
After analyzing the feedback, ask questions to clarify any points that are unclear. This shows that you're engaged and willing to understand their perspective fully. Keep your questions objective and focused on gaining deeper insight rather than defending your position. Through questioning, you might uncover new information that could influence your professional opinion.
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If you're receiving feedback in real-time (in person), it can be challenging to maintain objectivity since emotional responses are natural. Pausing before opening your mouth to respond can give some buffer space to maintain objectivity. Starting with a phrase like, "My understanding is... Is this off-base," might uncover initial misunderstandings and demonstrate a willingness to discuss the topic more fully.
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- Real-time feedback, particularly face-to-face, often evokes emotional reactions, posing a challenge to objectivity. - Before responding, take a moment to pause, creating a buffer to maintain objectivity and prevent knee-jerk reactions. - Start the conversation with a phrase like "My understanding is... Is this off-base?" to clarify initial misunderstandings and show openness to further discussion. - After the initial pause, ask clarifying questions to ensure a thorough grasp of the feedback and demonstrate active engagement. - Focus questions on gaining deeper insights rather than defending your stance, fostering a constructive dialogue conducive to new perspectives.
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Receiving feedback that contradicts your professional opinion is like getting a surprise plot twist in your favorite TV show - unexpected and potentially game-changing. Stay cool like a cucumber and approach it with an open mind, treating it as a chance to expand your perspective, not a personal attack. Think of it as a lively debate where you can flex your intellectual muscles while keeping your ego in check. Embrace the feedback like a gourmet meal – savor the flavors, but don't choke on the bones. Ultimately, it's all about growth!
Now it's time for reflection. Consider the feedback in the context of your knowledge, experience, and the specifics of the situation. Reflect on whether adapting your opinion could lead to improved outcomes or if standing by your original stance is justified. This is not about winning an argument but about making the best professional decision based on all available information.
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I'm very bad at handling criticism, and I know this about myself. So, now, when I get a piece of feedback that I disagree with, I always have to take some time away. Once I've cooled down from my initial reaction, I like to look over the piece again and see if the other person could actually have a point. If I still disagree with the client, I am in a calm position to be able to explain exactly why (and let them know I will still make the changes if they don't want my advice). If I now agree with them, I can make the changes quietly without them seeing any negative reaction from me. If the negative feedback comes not from a client but a reviewer, I won't respond either way, but think about how I can improve in the future.
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1. Take a critical look at your writing and try to evaluate it objectively. Consider whether there are areas where you can make improvements based on the feedback you've received. Keep in mind that receiving criticism is an opportunity for growth and development as a writer. 2. Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or colleagues who can offer encouragement and perspective. Talking to someone you trust about your feelings can help you gain clarity and reassurance. 3. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as going for a walk, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. Taking care of your emotional well-being is important, especially during times of stress or vulnerability.
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Recognizing your sensitivity to criticism is a valuable self-awareness trait. Taking time away to cool down allows you to approach feedback more objectively. Upon reflection, consider the feedback in light of your expertise and the situation's specifics. Assess whether adapting your stance could lead to better outcomes or if sticking to your original position is warranted. Remember, the goal is not to win arguments but to make informed decisions.
Finally, communicate your thoughts clearly and respectfully. If you've decided to adjust your opinion, explain why and how the feedback contributed to this change. If you maintain your original stance, present your reasoning with supporting evidence. Clear communication ensures that even if disagreements persist, mutual respect remains intact, fostering a positive professional environment.
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If you are going to push-back on feedback from an editor, client, or some other "boss" figure, you need to be absolutely clear in how you communicate. Be respectful: remember to be polite, and thank anyone who takes the time to offer real feedback Communicate assumptions: there may simply be a misunderstanding. Take a step back, and make sure you are on the same page. Give a clear and unambiguous response: if you disagree, you need to say so. Squishy language will feel less confrontational, but often leads to more problems in the future.
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This might be controversial but ... Assume that it's true. If you always put your guard up when you get feedback, you're going to struggle in this industry. Even if you *know* the feedback is wrong, try to find 10% of it you can agree with as true. Few things are black & white. Embrace the gray area.