Why is feedback so important?
Short answer: It helps human beings grow.
Long answer:
We do something, then ask others how we’re doing. And if we don’t like what we hear, we change our course of action—which (hopefully) improves us and makes us a better version of ourselves.
Now, let’s say you keep doing what you’re doing without ever asking others for suggestions or feedback. How far do you think you’d go?
Skills need time to grow—most of them, at least. Competence doesn’t develop overnight; it takes time to evolve. And that’s where feedback comes in.
It’s true that hard work is vital for success, but hard work alone won’t cut it. You also need someone to tell you whether you’re on the right track. Otherwise, you’ll be groping in the dark—just like that group of five intoxicated friends who went boat riding on a full-moon night and kept rowing until dawn. When they came to their senses in the morning, they thought they must have reached some faraway shore. But then they realized they had forgotten to remove the anchor the previous night.
Didn’t they work hard?
They certainly did—but it didn’t pay off because nobody told them they were still anchored. And I’m sure you don’t want something that silly to happen to you.
That’s why seeking feedback is very important. It helps you correct your course of action—in time.
Think of the Person Offering You Feedback as a Well-Wisher
Nobody drags a random person walking down the street and starts giving feedback on how they should dress, walk, or behave. I mean, when was the last time you did that?
Probably never.
We usually give feedback to people we genuinely mean well for. And the moment we sense that the person on the receiving end isn’t accepting feedback gracefully, we instinctively take two steps back.
So when someone offers you feedback—whether it’s a coworker, your spouse, your teacher, or your coach—take it as a good sign. It means you’re on the right track, and the person believes you could do even better. That’s all there is to it.
We usually don’t give feedback to our enemies. Haven’t you heard the saying: “When your enemy is making a mistake, don’t interrupt him”?
Remember this: the worst feedback is no feedback at all.
But to accept feedback positively, you must be willing to feel awkward and uneasy.
Embrace That “Uneasy” Feeling
Listen.
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable while receiving feedback. Let’s face it—most of us like to believe we’re good at what we do and that we’re on the right track. So when someone hints otherwise, it’s only natural to feel uneasy, or even defensive. And that’s okay. It’s part of the game.
So what do you do?
You accept that discomfort. You acknowledge the uneasy feeling—and then you move on.
Think about it: if I told you that you’re great, you’d feel good and accept the compliment without resistance. That feels natural.
Likewise, when someone criticizes your work or offers feedback, it’s equally human to feel offended. That’s how personal and professional growth happens: by accommodating another person’s point of view.
Expect a little uneasiness. Expect those butterflies in your stomach.
See Feedback as an Opportunity to Improve Your Work
Feedback is a free tool—if you allow it—to improve whatever you’re doing.
When you’re working toward a goal, mistakes are inevitable. So when someone points out your shortcomings, instead of feeling offended, see it as a golden opportunity to refine your skills and polish your craft.
Let me share a personal example.
During my training days as a radio jockey on FM Gold, I made it a point to ask my mentor—our Programme Executive, Mr. Vijay Deepak Chhibber—for feedback. He guided me consistently.
I was impatient to learn quickly, so I kept bugging him almost every day. One day, he practically dragged me into another studio and said:
“Avdhesh, you’re on the right track. Keep doing what you’re doing. If you go astray, I’ll let you know. Now please stop eating my brains, will you?”
Ah! The joys—and limits—of asking for feedback. 😉
How to Accept Feedback
We’ve discussed why feedback is important. Now let’s talk about how to accept it gracefully.
This incident inspired me to write this article.
It was March 2005.
A fellow radio jockey and I were in a studio at All India Radio’s FM Gold channel (Parliament Street, Delhi). She had just finished presenting a live show, and I was there collecting material for my own show scheduled later that week.
After her show, I shared my observation about how she announced the title of a music album. The flow was broken—two words, a pause, then the third word. I said:
“I think you should work on your flow—the way you connect one word to the next. It would sound much better on air.”
She seemed to take it positively—or so I thought.
Three days later, I met her again. She asked, “Hey, did you hear my show last evening?”
“Ahem… no, I didn’t.”
“Oh really? So you listen when I make mistakes, but not when I do a show worth listening to?” she snapped, eyes red and voice bitter.
I replied, “I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just sharing an observation. I won’t trouble you again.”
After that, I stopped commenting on her shows altogether.
What’s the point of giving feedback if it isn’t received in good spirit?
Ironically, I was once just like her. I believed I had what it took and didn’t need anyone telling me how to do my work—except the people I chose. And I was wrong.
The more I learned to accept feedback (and even criticism) respectfully, the better I became as a radio jockey and voice artist.
Take What You Need—and Leave the Rest
You don’t have to accept feedback in its entirety.
Yes, the person offering feedback is being generous—but you’re not obligated to act on every suggestion.
Take what you need.
Think of feedback as a jar of candies. Pick a few that you need right now. Thank the person—and leave the rest for later.
Every Feedback Isn’t What It Seems
Sometimes, “feedback” is just disguised negativity.
Some people will criticize you no matter what you do—out of jealousy or insecurity. You don’t need to argue with them. In fact, engaging only gives them power.
Just ignore them. Let it go.
And keep asking for feedback.
If you want to stay sharp and improve continuously, it’s your responsibility to ask for suggestions—and even criticism. Most people won’t offer it unsolicited because they’re afraid of hurting your feelings.
So ask.
Because meaningful feedback rarely comes unless you invite it.