Embracing Feedback :
Be Ready to Learn and Be Open to Feedback
One of the biggest shifts from college to the workplace is understanding that learning doesn’t stop after graduation. Feedback, whether positive or critical, is a gift to help you improve.
Example: Rahul’s Struggle with Feedback on a Coding Project
Rahul, a fresh engineering graduate from Nagpur, joined a software company as a junior developer. In his first project, he created a piece of code that he felt was efficient and innovative. However, during a team review, his manager, Priya, pointed out several inefficiencies and suggested alternative approaches. Rahul felt hurt and thought, “She doesn’t appreciate my effort. Why can’t she just acknowledge my hard work?”
Employer’s Perspective:
Priya noticed Rahul’s defensive demeanor during the feedback session. Instead of ignoring it, she decided to address it. She told him, “Rahul, your effort shows potential, but coding isn’t just about making it work; it’s about optimizing and future-proofing it.
Feedback is a way to help you grow, not to criticize you. Sit together and review , so you can learn to approach challenges more effectively.”
Priya also shared her own experience as a fresher when her mentor critiqued her work. “At first, I took it personally, but over time, I saw how it shaped me into a better professional.”
Lesson:
Rahul realized the importance of taking feedback constructively rather than personally. For Priya, this was an opportunity to nurture a team member and reinforce the value of mentorship in a collaborative workplace.
Key Takeaways
For Employees:
- Embrace Learning and Feedback: Feedback is a tool for self-improvement. Adopt a learner’s mindset and see feedback as a stepping stone to becoming a better version of yourself.
For Employers:
- Encourage Growth: Provide constructive feedback with patience and share personal experiences to build trust and motivation among new employees.
Starting your first job is a transformative experience. By setting realistic expectations and being open to feedback, you’ll navigate this exciting phase with confidence and a growth-oriented mindset. Both Avni and Rahul’s stories show that challenges are opportunities in disguise, and with the right perspective, they can lead to significant personal and professional development.