Using feedback for professional growth
Professional feedback is an invaluable tool for growth, especially during your MDS secondments. It’s not just a tool—it’s a cornerstone for your professional development. As Trainees, you’re often placed in new environments every 6-12 months, adapting to different roles, expectations, and teams. Proactively seeking and effectively using it can accelerate your development and enhance your performance.
When sought and used effectively, professional feedback can significantly enhance your performance and learning. But it’s not just about asking for it—it’s about creating a structured approach to how you receive, process, and implement it.
The art of seeking professional feedback
The first step in using feedback is knowing when and how to seek it. Rather than waiting for secondment reviews or formal evaluations, integrate feedback into your daily routine. After completing tasks, particularly those that are new or challenging, reach out to your secondment manager, supervisor or colleagues. Instead of general questions like “How did I do?” ask targeted questions: “What aspects of my approach worked well?” or “What could I have done differently to achieve a better outcome?”
This not only provides you with clearer guidance but also signals to your colleagues that you are genuinely invested in your growth. This proactive attitude fosters a culture of continuous improvement around you and builds your professional reputation and footprint.
Processing and reflecting on professional feedback
Receiving feedback can be daunting, especially when it’s critical. However, the key to seeking feedback is how you process and reflect on it. Active listening is crucial—absorb the information without immediately jumping to conclusions or becoming defensive. Take notes and allow yourself time to reflect on what was said.
Consider how the feedback aligns with how you want to be seen professionally and the goals you’ve set for yourself. If possible, it’s helpful to discuss the feedback with a mentor or a trusted colleague to gain additional perspectives. Reflection should lead you to identify patterns in the feedback you receive, highlighting areas that require consistent attention.
Implementing
Once you’ve processed the feedback, the next step is action. Create a plan that addresses the feedback, setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals. For example, if you’ve been advised to improve your presentation skills, set a goal to practise presenting in smaller settings before tackling larger meetings.
If you really want to perfect the skill, regularly assess your progress and make tweaks as and when you need it. Feedback isn’t a one-time event but a continuous loop of improvement. If you’re aiming for mastery, ask for more feedback to ensure you’re on the right track.
Seeking and using feedback effectively is a powerful way to build relationships within your team and drive your professional growth. By being proactive, reflective, and strategic in how you approach feedback, you can turn each piece of advice into a stepping stone towards your career goals.