Feedback Strategies

 

Feedback Image: Source

    After reading up on the effects of of praise vs feedback I was pleasantly surprised to see how much The Difference Between Praise and Feedback coincided with Carol Dweck's concept of growth mindset. I also was able to relate to these article because this is how my coach acts. It is not enough to simply say "good job" to somebody for their efforts. If there is any time during a practice where a stunt group hits a stunt but it was hit with a struggle we will be reprimanded if we respond to the group by telling them good job or encouraging them. This example supports the idea of fixed talent. Thus, we would be less inclined to try to new skills or improve our technique because we believe if it hit, even if it was a struggle, then it should be good. I do believe that "good jobs" are also very vague, as it states in The Trouble with Amazing: Giving Praise that Matters. It doesn't do anything for the other party. There is no instruction that could help them evolve their work. It just seems like a lazy response. In order to give the best feedback, you should be critical in order for the other person to get the most and be able to expand of their previous work.   

Feedback Thoughts

 

Feedback: Group Communication

I wanted to look into the negative side of feedback and how our minds find a way to twist feedback into criticism. I read in Why rejection hurts so much — and what to do about it that our brains are hardwired to think that way. The same area of our brain that experiences pain is the area that is activated when we experience rejection. But nonetheless, most of the pain is self-inflicted. We become self critical when we receive negative feedback on something we thought was good work. Thus, the second guessing of ourselves starts. The good news is we can stop this from happening. The article says that if you reaffirm things about yourself that are valuable you can help rebuild your self confidence after taking a blow. Another thing one can do is revel in the positive feedback you have been given. Most likely somebody is going to leave you with positive feedback as well. Dig into the positive suggestions and believe what they say. I read these tricks on Silence the Critical Voices in Your Head. Overall, even if our brains are wired to focus on the negative there are many things you can do to avoid having a pity party for yourself and actually take the feedback for what it is. Somebody giving suggestions in order to help you!