Read: Receiving Feedback
Receiving Feedback
Performance evaluations can produce a mix of different feelings depending on the person receiving the feedback, the person who will be giving the feedback, the specific performance to be evaluated, the potential impact of the feedback (i.e., impact on promotions, raises, grades, etc.), and other circumstances. As you get ready to receive your performance evaluation, keep the following in mind.
- Try to relax and be open to the feedback. Try to avoid being defensive. If you start to feel this way, take a breath. The point of the evaluation is to help you learn how others view your performance, the strengths they see in you and your work, and the ways in which you might grow personally and professionally.
- Assume that the intent is positive. Your faculty supervisor wants to support your personal and professional growth.
- Practice effective listening skills. This includes using facial expressions and body language that convey openness to feedback in addition to really paying attention and "hearing" what is being communicated.
- Ask questions to clarify and understand the feedback being given. Ask for examples or stories if necessary to help you understand and grasp the meaning of their feedback. This applies to strengths as well as areas for improvement. Hearing about an example that highlights a strength may help you to recognize something that you didn't pick up on when conducting your self assessment.
- Thank your faculty supervisor for taking the time to assess your performance and provide you with feedback.