Chapter 1 What's Thanks for the Feedback
"Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well," written by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, is a guide that explores the crucial skill of receiving feedback effectively. The authors, who are both affiliated with the Harvard Negotiation Project, emphasize that the ability to receive feedback is critical for personal and professional growth.
The book is divided into three main parts:
1. Types of Feedback: Stone and Heen categorize feedback into three types: appreciation, evaluation, and coaching. Each type serves a different purpose and can impact how the recipient perceives it.
2. Receiving Feedback: The authors discuss the various challenges people face when receiving feedback, including emotional reactions and cognitive biases. They provide strategies for managing defensive reactions and embracing feedback as a path to improvement.
3. Creating a Feedback Culture: The final section offers insights on cultivating an environment where feedback is regularly exchanged and valued. This involves fostering open communication and encouraging a mindset that views feedback as a learning opportunity.
Overall, "Thanks for the Feedback" highlights that while giving feedback is important, the ability to receive and integrate feedback is equally vital to personal development and effective communication. The book is filled with practical advice and real-life examples, making it a valuable resource for both individuals and organizations looking to improve their feedback practices.
Chapter 2 The Background of Thanks for the Feedback
"Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well," authored by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, was published in 2014. The book explores the nature of feedback in personal and professional contexts, addressing how individuals can receive feedback more effectively and, in turn, improve their communication skills and relationships.
Social Context and Period
1. Workplace Dynamics:
- The book emerged during a time when workplaces were increasingly recognizing the importance of feedback in organizational culture. Companies began embracing concepts like continuous performance management over traditional annual reviews, fostering a more open environment for discussions about performance and development.
2. Communication and Emotional Intelligence:
- The growing emphasis on emotional intelligence in the workplace has made it imperative that employees learn to handle feedback constructively. The book taps into this trend, providing practical advice on how to process feedback without defensiveness and how to leverage feedback for personal growth.
3. Technology and Remote Work:
- With the rise of digital communication tools and remote work arrangements, the context in which feedback is given and received has changed. The authors address the challenges posed by virtual interactions and emphasize the importance of clear, respectful communication in feedback processes.
Author's Original Intention
1. Empowerment through Feedback:
- Stone and Heen intended to empower readers to embrace feedback as a valuable tool for growth rather than viewing it solely as criticism. Their goal was to shift the mindset surrounding feedback, helping individuals see the benefits of receiving input from others.
2. Practical Framework:
- The authors aimed to provide a practical framework that equips people with strategies for interpreting and responding to feedback, regardless of the source. They emphasize that feedback can come from various contexts—work, relationships, education—and that effectively receiving it can lead to improved outcomes.
3. Deepen Understanding of Feedback Dynamics:
- Stone and Heen explore the psychologica
Published on 1 year ago