Feedback – The Growth Tonic Of Champions

 ‘Bhaiyya, all hell’s broken loose’ said Rinku. ‘Our English lecturer told Rahul that if he improved his vocabulary and handwriting, he could top the class. Rahul’s fully upset now.’

‘Why?’ asked Rakesh.

‘I don’t like being corrected bhaiyya,’ fumed Rahul. ‘I put in so much effort and instead of appreciating me, all he does is find fault. English was my favorite subject. Now I hate it.’

‘Ah,’ said Rakesh. ‘But you’re missing out on one of the greatest ways to improve, excel and top the class.’

‘What’s that bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.

‘Feedback - the growth tonic’ said Rakesh. ‘Whatever you do - write an exam, work, perform – you’ll get feedback. Lecturers evaluate papers, coaches analyse performances, parents and friends give compliments, criticism, suggestions. When they praise, you’re happy. When they give negative feedback, you’re upset and give up. But fact is, you cannot improve without feedback.’

‘But bhaiyya, my lecturer’s feedback devastated me,’ said Rahul. ‘I felt like a complete failure.’

‘Look, most of us don’t know how to give and receive feedback,’ said Rakesh. ‘Feedback, given properly, helps people to work on their shortcomings – not give up. For example, your lecturer could have told you what you did right first, so you’re receptive to his ideas. Then, he could have pointed out areas to improve, with specific examples and clear solutions. Good feedback is always about the issue, not about the person.’

‘But bhaiyya, however well it’s given, negative feedback hurts,’ asked Rinku. ‘How to handle it?’

‘Don’t take it personally to start with,’ said Rakesh. ‘Corrections or suggestions to improve don’t mean something’s wrong with you. It’s merely feedback about that particular exam or performance. And when feedback hurts, we know that most times it’s true. So listen without defending or justifying yourself. Ask questions. Analyse objectively and work on it if it makes sense. Rahul, you knew you’ll top your class if you improve your handwriting and vocabulary, right?’

Rahul nodded sheepishly. ‘But bhaiyya, is negative feedback necessary?’ he asked. ‘Don’t people improve without feedback?’

‘Rahul, our immense potential for growth stops simply because we’re scared of feedback,’ said Rakesh. ‘But if you learn how to receive feedback, you’ll grow rapidly. Positive feedback sustains you; but it’s negative feedback that fuels growth. It helps you address your weakest points, stuff you don’t want to look at, and strengthens you. So seek feedback actively. Meet your lecturer often and ask whether you’ve improved, how to improve etc. Champions welcome feedback, while the also-rans avoid it.’

‘Thanks bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I’ll be open and receive feedback objectively – both positive and negative.’

‘Let me practice ‘giving’ feedback which is equally important,’ said Rinku. ‘Liaquat bhaiyya, we love your prompt service, but if the chai’s less sweeter, it’d be brilliant. Thank you.’

Pro Tip: Don’t take feedback or corrections as a personal attack. Feedback is a powerful tool to grow every day. If you learn how to give and receive feedback, everyone grows.

 

EXERCISE: Have groups of five. Ask students to give each other positive feedback about one other on one specific area.  Teach them how to give feedback – positive, immediate and specific. Tell them to practice giving and taking feedback every day.


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