Feedback is a gift. Or it is like a gift in many ways. Or at least 10.
My Auntie Rosie was the worst gift giver in our family – and also brought the most joy. Watching my cousin pretend to be delighted at receiving an electric lemon squeezer as a present for getting into University was a special moment.
Likewise I appreciated the selection of Postman Pat books I received when I was 16.
Anyway, I digress… This is how feedback is like a gift
- Sometimes someone gives it to you and you think ‘Pants, now I have to do the same for you and I didn’t think we were that close’
- Sometimes someone gets it just right and it is a really pleasant surprise
- Sometimes the wrapping is awful but it is still a really good gift. Sometimes the wrapping is brilliant, but the contents…
- Sometimes you think ‘You’ve known me years and that’s what you thought I’d like? Wow’
- Sometimes it is obviously regifted and just what they had left spare in a drawer
- Sometimes the thought that has gone into it is really clear and that makes the gift more valuable
- Sometimes the person giving the gift looks at you like you should be really impressed – and internally you are just doing a confused shrug
- Sometimes it’s like being given deodorant. You understand it is useful but you think… Hey, are you trying to tell me something else here?
- Some people only give once a year and still get it wrong
- If you don’t say thank you or make use of it then it reduces the chance of gifts in the future
It didn’t feel like a gift the other day!!!! Just Kidding!
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There’s feedback for me!
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Thank you, David, for this (undeserved and unexpected) present! It took me a lifetime to learn how to give feedback/feedforward, but I would need time to learn how to receive it. I still cannot enjoy a sincere “don’t take it personally’ 😊
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These are witty things. Thank you for sharing..
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Too funny 😂. I always tell myself to graciously accept it and give it to goodwill.
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