When Feedback Makes You Question Your Worth

After reposting the image above on Instagram and LinkedIn, I received an overwhelming number of messages from many of you expressing that it struck a chord. The reason why was clear to me; it triggered my own feelings.

Despite being an experienced leader, I found myself absorbing all kinds of feedback like a sponge, regardless of the source. It’s certainly true that not everyone is equipped to provide quality feedback. This is one of the reasons why I actually dislike 360-degree feedback. Often, people project their own issues and insecurities onto others. I was once advised to be more “warm and fuzzy”, which is feedback I doubt would ever be given to a man and perpetuates the “angry Black woman” stereotype.

That is why practicing discernment is vital in every facet of life, including our professional endeavors. This means being able to distinguish between what is beneficial and what is harmful, what is truth and what is false. Without discernment, we might succumb to Imposter Syndrome and make poor decisions that hinder our progress and prevent us from reaching our full potential.

In a world filled with constant criticism, a lot of it anonymous, it is essential to cultivate discernment to filter out baseless negativity and prevent it from affecting your self-worth. Explore techniques such as:

• Seeking feedback from trusted sources
• Focusing on growth rather than perfection
• Practicing self-compassion
• Enhancing your self-awareness
• Setting boundaries

By refining your discernment skills, you can constructively navigate through feedback, extracting valuable insights and disregarding unwarranted criticism. This process empowers you to seize growth opportunities and develop a resilient mindset, leading to personal and professional development.

When it comes to providing feedback in a professional setting or in personal relationships, following these guidelines can help foster growth and improvement:

• Focus on specific behaviors or actions not personality traits
• Provide specific examples to support your feedback
• Offer suggestions for improvement
• Strike a balance by highlighting strengths, not just areas of development
• Always maintain a positive and encouraging tone

Strive to create a feedback culture that values improvement and collaboration over judgment and attacking an individual’s character. Ultimately, remember your worth is not determined by others but by how you perceive yourself.

Renee