Requesting Feedback Isn't Enough – Show You Can Handle the Truth

People know what you are bad at, so why hide it?

Are you trying to build a culture of open feedback? Beware of what you ask for. A few years ago, as a newly appointed CEO, I was tasked with revamping an ad agency. I was fresh on the job when I received a startling piece of unsolicited feedback.

On a Monday morning, I found an envelope containing a handwritten postcard inside – a rarity.

The shock came from the stark black-and-white image of a man giving me the finger, followed by the blunt message: "FUCK OFF, you arrogant prick!"

Feedback can be loud and clear

My first instinct was to discard it. It was unsolicited, and someone was hiding behind the veil of anonymity to attack me. However, I chose to keep it, realizing there was a lesson to be learned from this unpleasant experience – a lesson I'd like to share with you.

Feedback can sting. Yet, how we react not only speaks volumes about ourselves but also about the feedback culture we want to promote.

Don't Just Ask for Feedback – Embrace It

Asking for feedback sets our brain into a rewar…