How to respond to feedback (even if you don't plan to use it)

A smart way to make people feel heard

Thoughtful feedback is a gift. Somebody has taken the time to analyze what you’ve done and figure out ways to improve it. I’m sure we can all remember transformative insights. We should do what we can to welcome such feedback into our lives.

But sometimes feedback can be less helpful. Perhaps it comes at an inopportune moment. Maybe it’s about something beyond our control. Maybe it’s just not actionable.

Unless the person is offering the feedback in a mean-spirited way, though, you want to make sure he or she knows that feedback is still welcome. Sometimes we can convey this in body language, but if you’re on the phone or Zoom, or email, this is a little more challenging.

So here’s a good phrase for you to use: