Feedback is crucial for learning and improving, but it’s rarely fun to be on the receiving end of it when it’s critical. Many people have a negative reaction to feedback, especially feedback on their creative work. In a study of seven companies and 11,471 days of creative work, researchers found two striking patterns: First, getting feedback was incredibly rare, indicating that people seemed to avoid it; and second, when people did receive feedback, it generally left a negative emotional residue.
How to Give and Receive Feedback About Creative Work
It requires a special approach.
November 13, 2017
Summary.
When it comes to creative projects, giving and receiving feedback in a way that’s actually productive can be tricky. In this piece, the author offers two research-backed suggestions: First, ask for broad feedback out of curiosity around how you can improve. Second, offer feedback based on subjectivity. Importantly, managers need to understand that their opinions provide only potential trajectories a creative worker might try — not the “right” road to take. With these guidelines, both managers and their employees can improve process of sharing feedback on creative endeavors.
For HBR Subscribers
How to Give Feedback
Your employees need feedback for their development. Here’s how to deliver it in a way that’s helpful, not harmful.
Show Reading List