Why negative feedback is your best friend
While positive feedback feels good, it's the negative feedback that truly helps us improve our products and ourselves.
Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp recently discussed an intriguing idea many might not have considered: why negative feedback can be beneficial for personal and professional growth.
We often see praise as the ultimate goal, the "fuzzy blanket" of comfort that reassures us we're on the right path.
Elana shared that "Praise is your product's worst enemy."
Why? Because solely positive feedback doesn't provide the opportunity to pinpoint areas for improvement.
READ: The importance of working for passion over praise
Too much positivity might prevent us from seeing the truth of how others really engage with what we offer.
Consider when you organise an event. If all you're told is how wonderful it was, you might miss vital insights into what could be better next time.
This principle is crucial for businesses. Negative feedback, as daunting as it seems, is actually a gift. It allows us to refine our products and services and to become better suited to customer needs.
Elana offered her listeners a challenge: "Find at least three users, people, clients... that are unhappy with your product. Set up calls with them... ask them to elaborate and take notes."
READ: Why do kids talk to themselves? Expert explains why...
This proactive approach doesn't mean you should stop celebrating successes but adds a crucial layer by fostering growth.
As Elana points out, constructive critique highlights areas where we might have missed the mark, making it an underrated but powerful tool in the toolbox of progress.
So this week, embrace the challenge, listen, and grow. Remember: growth isn't always easy, but it is always essential.
Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 - 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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