[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.esthermollema.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/94a19ddeb88fe51c18697c0703c1f0be.jpg” alt=”Photo: Trunk Archive” title_text=”Photo: Trunk Archive” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”11px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Photo: Trunk Archive<\/em><\/p>\n Imagine this: you are an athlete. Every day is about becoming a little bit better. You train, eat healthy, and optimize your routines, while you and your team closely track your progress. It makes sense\u2014because their insights and tips help you reach your full potential. As an athlete, you don\u2019t just learn to excel in your sport; you also become skilled at receiving and using feedback.<\/p>\n Now think of yourself the same way: someone who also wants to reach their full potential. If the athlete metaphor doesn\u2019t quite fit you, think of an emerging artist or performer striving to become the best version of themselves. This perspective helps you understand that you can still grow tremendously by embracing insights from others. But it does require something from you: you must start viewing feedback as a tool for growth rather than a threat.<\/p>\n Why feedback sometimes throws us off<\/strong><\/p>\n Receiving feedback isn\u2019t always easy. Our brain links our self-worth to our performance, which means feedback can often feel like a personal attack\u2014sometimes even before we consciously register it. On top of that, your brain constantly checks your position within a group. Feedback given in a group setting or by someone higher up in the hierarchy can hit hard because it feels like a threat to your sense of safety and belonging.<\/p>\n As a result, you might not be fully open to feedback, or your brain might shut it out altogether: downplaying, ignoring, or twisting the feedback to protect yourself. Sound familiar? Like not really remembering what was said after a performance review? It\u2019s a natural coping mechanism, but one that can seriously block your growth. If we want to truly learn and address our blind spots, we need to find ways to bypass this reflex.<\/p>\n What feedback has to do with inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to become a true expert in receiving feedback\u2014just like an athlete\u2014you need to learn to embrace different perspectives. Feedback is not just a chance for personal growth, but also an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive team. By consciously seeking feedback from people with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, you strengthen not only yourself but also trust and collaboration within your team. Feedback then becomes a powerful tool to move forward together.<\/p>\n Asking for feedback remains crucial at every stage of your career\u2014especially as a leader. By inviting your team\u2019s input, you send an important signal to their brains: they belong, and you value their contribution. Even when you\u2019re at the top of the ladder, you still have blind spots\u2014in your knowledge and in how you see yourself.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.esthermollema.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/e1a61ba62f7b436d17a8e584e7fb0926.jpg” alt=”Photo: Geoff Lowe” title_text=”Photo: Geoff Lowe” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”49%” max_width=”49%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo: Geoff Lowe<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Importance of Psychological Safety in Your Team<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you feel resistance when it comes to involving colleagues in your learning process? If so, it might be a sign that the psychological safety in your team could use some improvement. In a truly safe environment, everyone works to bring out the best in each other, and receiving feedback should feel like a valuable gift. Do you avoid asking for feedback because you believe your colleagues can\u2019t provide constructive input? That\u2019s a shame\u2014you deserve better! Bring this up during team evaluations and set a good example yourself by openly sharing both tips for improvement and positive feedback with your team.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Start Your Growth Project Today<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Turn asking for feedback into a habit by seizing every opportunity to do so. It might take some effort at first, but over time it will become a natural part of your routine. Start today by asking yourself: What do I want to improve this month or this quarter?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even if you make it to the Olympic Games, there is always room for growth. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that top performers\u2014especially female top performers\u2014often receive less valuable feedback because managers tend to focus more on underperforming colleagues. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to actively seek out targeted and useful feedback.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve got that covered, make sure to involve the right people from the start of your project. They don\u2019t always have to be managers; colleagues, team members, or others whose work you admire can also offer valuable insights. One important tip: if they are too similar to you, they might not help you spot your blind spots. So choose people with a fresh perspective or a different approach.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" See feedback as a tool to become the best version of yourself. By asking for feedback and involving people with fresh perspectives, you and your team can grow. Read here how to turn this into a habit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":7249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7400","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n