TOP 10 WAYS TO RESPOND TO CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
Posted by wvdasmpilan on November 3, 2010
You’re bound to make a mistake sooner or later. Your response to constructive feedback will have a huge impact on your doctor’s opinion of you and your professional career.
Follow these ten tips and you’ll be able to transform your missteps into growth opportunities.
1 Don’t take it personally.
Accept your mistake, avoid making it again, and continue to focus on what’s great about you and your job.
2 Tell your side of the story … carefully.
Simply state the facts. Demonstrate that you know what you did wrong and why it was wrong.
3 Paraphrase the doctor’s assessment and suggestions.
Repeat your doctor’s feedback to avoid any misinterpretation. If your interpretation is correct, then you can both move on to finding solutions; if not, you’ll be able to clarify the misunderstanding.
4 Take responsibility for your actions.
Acknowledge that you did something inappropriate. This demonstrates your desire to improve, and your ability to work as a team player.
5 Offer ideas for improvement.
Come up with an action plan of your own. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
6 Establish concrete goals and deadlines.
Set goals and document your progress. Schedule regular meetings with your doctor to review/revise those goals.
7 Make sure each conversation is documented.
Be sure to review/sign/date the documents your doctor prepares, and request a copy for your files. If this is not an option, make sure that you type up and file your own notes (specific and objective).
8 Thank your doctor for making you aware of the problem and giving you the chance to correct it.
Thank your doctor for sharing his assessment with you and giving you the chance to correct what he sees as a problem.
9 Ask for help.
Ask your doctor/co-workers/family/friends for continued support/assessment as you change a habit/ attitude.
10 Stay positive; don’t get discouraged.
Remind yourself of the reasons you want to shift your behavior and avoid rehashing your faults and mistakes.
