Welcome back to the channel, Lério Cunha here, your motivational speaker, consultant and trainer that loves feedback. Loves learning about it, loves sharing tools about it. And also loves discovering new ideas and tips on how one can become a pro on receiving feedback.
1. Don’t Sit and Wait – Chase It!
If you’ve followed my latest season, you may have seen the episode where I shared that feedback is a gift – one that can (and should) come not only from our leaders but from every direction: 360 degrees.
Yes, leaders play a crucial role in creating the right environment for feedback to become a habit. But that doesn’t mean we should sit and wait for them to do it. Growth opportunities rarely come knocking on their own – go chase them.
Start small: approach a colleague or even a team member and ask for feedback. It might be easier – and more valuable – than waiting for your boss to start the conversation.
2. Don’t Seek Validation
There’s a danger in living inside an echo chamber. It feels comfortable, our sense of belonging grows – but that’s usually the only thing that grows.
If you truly want to develop faster, seek feedback from people who think differently than you. Those who grew up in different cultures, work in different areas, or simply see the world through another lens.
You can have different views and still share the same goals. Curiosity is what builds bridges between polarized positions. Ask questions that open perspectives, not just confirm what you already believe.
3. Don’t Say You’re Open to It – Show It!
I once read in Questions Are the Answer that telling people you’re approachable doesn’t make you approachable – acting like it does.
The same applies to feedback. Don’t just claim to be open; show it. Listen with presence, thank the person who shared, and reflect before reacting. That’s how you nourish trust and authenticity around you.
4. Don’t Ask for Solutions – Ask for Questions
When you seek feedback, don’t just ask, “What should I do?” Instead, ask, “What questions would you ask me about this?”
Questions unlock deeper insight. They invite reflection and help you explore blind spots you didn’t even know existed. Let’s put it differently: you don’t know what you don’t know. And those giving you feedback can ask you questions that will give you clarity on what you don’t know and what actions you can take.
Try a brainstorm of questions next time – it’s a game changer. Will write an article focused only on how to conduct a session of brainstorming questions.
5. Don’t Respond Quickly – Ask Further Questions
During a feedback session, remember: the people there want you to succeed. You invited them because you trust them to help.
Still, our instinct is often to defend ourselves or justify our actions. But when we do that, we close the door to growth. So next time you feel the urge to explain, pause – and ask a follow-up question instead.
That’s where real progress happens: in the space between listening and responding.
Ready to Build or Strengthen Trust within Your Team?
If you are looking for a motivational keynote speaker in the UK who can bring powerful metaphors and practical tools to inspire your team, I’d be delighted to connect with you.
Engage with me on conversations about feedback and the power of asking. If I share tools and tips, part is due to other people’s experiences and knowledge sharing. Visit my website to explore more insights and different perspectives.
