Sometimes you get feedback that seems to be about one thing, and it’s actually about something different.
We say “remember the ricochet” when you receive feedback that gives you pause. Trace it back —
Remember, what you receive may not have been directed at what it hits now. Common RF is someone being told that they are intimidating.
That comment most often has ricocheted off several other feelings in the giver of feedback before it comes out as “you are intimidating.”
Possible path – “Wow, that was bold” then hits an unspoken discomfort, then bounces off of “That made so and so uncomfortable,” and then you hear it handed to you as “You are intimidating.”
Actual trajectory, “wow, that was bold. I want to be that clear. Hey, I need to hang out with you more, and hopefully, some of that will rub off on me.”
When we work with teams, we practice becoming aware of our own possible ricochet feedback for our teammates. It would be best to be self-aware and honest with yourself before you give feedback to another – as it might be information for you to learn from and not the other.
Hilary Blair is a leadership keynote speaker based out of Denver, CO, and is the co-founder of ARTiculate: Real & Clear. She is also a highly regarded, actor, improviser, facilitator, voice-over artist, and voice expert coach. Contact us today to learn more.
