How to Share Feedback

Some of the best advice I’ve been given: ‘Don’t take criticism from people you would never go to for advice.‘” – Morgan Freeman

My dad used the Oreo method when he delivered feedback. It was fitting because he loved Oreos. Perhaps that’s what made him so good at layering in the salty truth between delicious goodness.

He’d start with what was working, add in feedback about what could be better, and then finish it off with a compelling overall vision or motivation. It sounds straightforward when laid out as a formula but as anyone who’s eaten fake Oreos knows, it has to be authentic to work. And the recipient needs to at least be a little hungry for it.

Feedback is tricky, isn’t it? It’s often necessary for us to fuel personal and creative growth, especially with writing, and we sometimes don’t want to hear it. That’s why I love this How to Share podcast episode with Dr. Vicki Atkinson because she is such a pro at both giving and receiving feedback.

Vicki tells us about her project in the works, a novel that builds on her fascinating and intriguing family history. She has done the hard work to not only to write but also to seek out and incorporate feedback. She tells us what she learned from her doctoral dissertation about separating the ego from the work and how that is an essential part of being able to really take in someone else’s input.

We talk about asking the right questions when someone solicits our feedback and also being specific when we want input. And Vicki shows us what having a growth mindset looks like when it comes to incorporating comments.

Vicki walks us through the discernment necessary to pick out what is helpful when it comes to feedback and gives us permission to disregard what doesn’t fit.

This is a great conversation about this tricky subject and Vicki’s wisdom shines brightly through. I know you’ll love it.

Takeaways

  • Feedback is a tricky subject that requires discernment.
  • Separating ego from work is essential for growth.
  • Asking the right questions can lead to more useful feedback.
  • Timing and context matter when giving feedback.
  • Not all feedback is created equal; choose your sources wisely.
  • It’s important to let your work develop before seeking feedback.
  • You can choose which feedback to integrate into your work.

Here’s a great clip of how Vicki practices the art of letting go of the ego:

Here are some ways you can watch this inspiring and helpful episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

How to Share a Mission with Anthony Dyer How To Share

In this episode, Wynne Leon interviews Anthony Dyer, a special missions aviator and author of 'Moon Child.' They discuss Anthony's journey from a childhood in Appalachia to a 20-year career in the US Air Force, his healing process from the traumas of war through writing, and the importance of family in his life. Anthony shares valuable life lessons learned from aviation, the significance of positivity, and his mission as a father. The conversation emphasizes courage, connection, and the power of storytelling in healing.TakeawaysAnthony chose writing over alcohol to heal from trauma.The importance of aviate, navigate, communicate in life.Healing can come from vulnerability and sharing stories.Family plays a crucial role in personal healing.God can help you rebuild after trauma.Scars are badges of honor, representing resilience.Conversations with God can lead to personal growth.Fatherhood is Anthony's most important mission now.Roots and wings symbolize balance in life.Links for this episode:How to Share homeHow to Share a Mission TranscriptMoon Child: Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator on Barnes and Noble and AmazonFrom the host:My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
  1. How to Share a Mission with Anthony Dyer
  2. How to Share Your Superpower with Roger Kastner
  3. How to Share Perspective with Andrea Simon
  4. How to Share Compassionate Stories that Inspire and Connect
  5. How to Share Music with Nancy Shear

Links for this episode:

How to Share Feedback transcript

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)