Feedback Thoughts

Caption: Feedback or ?
Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37996646802@N01/14279306964/

I think feedback for the sake of feedback is helpful in some settings. In a working environment when a superior is giving feedback, I believe it is necessary and productive for the corporation. In a sporting environment, I believe a coach and peers have equal say in giving feedback because it helps the team in a significant way. In a classroom where peers are being forced to give feedback for a grade, I believe it is much less necessary and can actually be a little annoying at times. I have had few classmates be serious enough to have memorable things to say to me, but overall most peer feedback comments have been disappointing.

Recalibrating the Perfectionist Mind

This is another "strengths-based philosophy" article. I see where the author is going when talking about practicing with unrealistic expectations and being overly self-critical in a preparation process. Over thinking is something I do the most as a semi-perfectionist. When I swam in high school, I would think about my races way too much, and my coach would wonder in awe about why I couldn't do as well as I would in practice.

Overcoming the Fear of Feedback

This article reminded me of my internship this summer. We only worked 10 weeks, and so we had a performance review at the five week mark. The week before, I was over my head with anxiety thinking, "What is he going to say to me? Have I done the best I possibly could with what I've been given? Have I stayed long enough consistently?" Then, the day of my evaluation, my boss moved our meeting time up to nine instead of 3... if you can imagine, I was on pins and needles heading towards the conference room. When I walked in, however, my boss was all smiles and as he went through the evaluation there was not one negative thing to say about my work or interpersonal skills. I had worried for nothing, and the feedback was helpful.