Breaking the feedback loop

By Brian Maynor

 

Feedback is generally a good thing. It helps us to learn and grow and develop skills, but like all things it’s best in moderation.

We all have opinions, and most of us like to share those opinions, but realistically not all of them are valid, helpful or even clear. Think about it, when was the last time you gave or heard feedback like: “That was good, but not your best” or “I just don’t think it came across as powerful.”

Here are few things to keep in mind the next time you hear or offer feedback:

1.    It’s all about the specifics. Vague statements are not feedback. They are simply opinions, and opinions alone are not feedback. If the goal of feedback is to help, it needs to point out something specific you can work on to improve.

2.    It’s not your job to figure it out. When you receive vague comments packaged as feedback, it’s not your job to try to decipher what it means. If you have any amount of integrity in your work, it’s easy to fixate on these vague comments, trying to parse together some meaning, but usually there isn’t one.

3.    Remember one opinion doesn’t always matter. Whether it’s your boss or friends, keep in mind that one person’s opinion is just that, one person’s opinion. It’s perfectly okay to dismiss it as such and keep moving forward. Why? Because one opinion isn’t reliable. If you talk to several people and they all tend to say the same thing, then you want to invest in the feedback, but if the feedback is all across the board, just let it go.

4.    Keep it in perspective. It may be hard to do, but remember that sometimes the feedback isn’t even about you. We all know how our opinions are colored by our perspective, what’s been going on that day, along with any number of other outside influences. Particularly if you get negative or vague feedback, try not to take it to heart until you speak with several people to see if it’s corroborated.

The general of improving yourself is to solicit and listen to feedback, but the unspoken caveat is that not all feedback is helpful or worth listening to. Feedback is basically just an opinion and we all know what opinions are like. Before you latch on to a negative critique, do yourself a favor and ask several people for their feedback. Only the consistent, specific ones from people you know and trust are worth investing your time and energy.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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