Let face it.  At some point, all of us will receive feedback at work.  At a bare minimum, the yearly performance review never lets us forget where we stand in the eyes of our employer. 

At its essence,  feedback used correctly is a good thing and can help us be more productive.  Without feedback, we would not know what to correct and in what areas we excel.  Feedback is what drives the world.  Every system from biology to technology depends on feedback to steer its course.  As humans, good feedback gives us the power of choice and helps us do better.  It points out areas where we have blind spots and brings different perspectives to our awareness.     

When the feedback is praiseful, no one bats an eye.  We feel a positive boost as our mood elevates.  Bring it on!  Strangely, it is quickly forgotten.  Criticism, on the other hand, is remembered and dwelled on for a long time. 

But if feedback is designed to help us, why is it so difficult to hear when it’s negative?

The link below is to a great article that talks about this very topic and offers advice for giving and receiving feedback.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3039412/the-art-science-to-giving-and-receiving-criticism-at-work

Rob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado, where he trained in Marriage and Family Therapy.  Through his career, he has had a variety of work experiences in the mental health field.  Currently, he works as an EAP consultant with Anthem..  He is interested in how technology can be integrated into the workplace to reduce stress, foster well-being, and easily connect people.