How to Manage Negative Feedback

Feedback. We know it’s important, we know it’s needed; but when it’s not positive, we don’t want to give it and we certainly don’t want to receive it.

Years ago, I heard the phrase “Feedback is a gift”. It was during a time in my teaching career where teachers in my school were taking it upon themselves to visit each other in the classroom and observe each other’s practice – to learn from each other and to give each other feedback.

We all loved getting the compliments and the positive comments.

The negative ones?

Not so much.

But that was where the learning was and where the most value was – someone has taken the time to be honest. It’s uncomfortable for everyone, and it’s easier not to do it. If someone is taking the initiative to give me “negative feedback”, for my own benefit, I should respect that and listen up.

As teachers we need to be open to feedback – we are getting it every day! From students, parents, colleagues, inspectors or mentors. By being open, it doesn’t mean that we automatically agree – it means that we will listen and consider it.

Here are some pointers for managing negative feedback.