Feedback can be amazing, especially if you request for it in hopes to find ways to improve your professional goals. Sometimes I can be hard on myself and underrate my capabilities which ultimately have me questioning myself. So, many times in professional settings, I will ask my supervisor or mentors on areas I feel weak in and ask if there is anything they recommend. 

Self-assessment and formal feedback can help highlight some strengths you didn’t know you carried. I know that constructive feedback is inevitable. Sometimes, receiving constructive feedback in a professional setting can ignite some nerves. It can also be tricky if you have a mentee and they request feedback. 

Typically, when I refer to constructive feedback, I usually refer to formal feedback like in a performance review or in a one-on-one meeting with your mentor. I feel that understanding the benefits of feedback is important, especially since this exists in all sectors of healthcare, for example. 

In my previous experience as an employee in the research field, I generally received feedback on ways I could improve techniques to review an IRB application or submitting an application for approval. I also received feedback during my annual performance reviews. In my previous job, it was called “career conversations.” This was an opportunity to reflect about myself. Some of the following questions can be used to do a quick self-assessment to see where you could improve:

• What are some of your positive attributes?
• What have you accomplished in the past year?
• What have you accomplished in the past 30, 60, and/or 90 days?
• Were there any mistakes you made along the way to achieve your accomplishments? If so, were there lessons learned or suggestions on moving past it?
• What do you hope to accomplish in the coming months?
• Are there any opportunities that allow you to grow? If so, how would it impact your role and with your professional development?

Typically, if you are on the receiving end of this feedback, it can be a little scary. So, here are some tips to help you receive constructive feedback:

• Go into the setting with an open-mind and frame this session as a learning opportunity. Believe in yourself and tell yourself that you are open to receiving new information. 
• After the meeting, reflect upon the information that you received. At the end of the day, it is up to you to accept or reject it. It does not indicate your worth. Remind yourself of the benefits of feedback and be gentle with yourself. You are amazing already.
• Follow up with a mentor or employer after your reflection and open up a dialogue if you want to discuss strategies to improve or if they recommend any workshops or other people to help you achieve your goals.
• If there is any uncertainty or a point that you may disagree with, ask for clarification. 
• Be proactive and understand you have the option to not use this information. 

Giving feedback is as difficult as receiving feedback. Here are some tips if you are providing some feedback:

• Plan how you want to execute the review
• Start and conclude with positive feedback.
• Follow-up with the individual and offer ways or opportunities so that that may succeed.
• Be courteous and respectful. 
• Ensure the environment is safe and stress free (i.e., when providing feedback, it is in a quiet location at an agreeable time).
• Be specific about feedback and provide any clarification if requested. 
• Allow time for reflection, if needed. 

I hope these tips will be helpful for you especially in your workplace or other professional settings. Communication is super important, especially in the medical field. As a pre-medical student, I find that sometimes it can be hard to receive constructive feedback, especially on personal statements and those in the process of actively applying to medical school. I hope that this allows you to find ways to establish effective communication and allows you to grow professionally and personally.