How to Turn Negative Feedback into Growth Opportunities

Personal Story: Turning a Setback into a Future Opportunity Rejection can be a powerful motivator if approached with the right mindset. Rather than seeing a setback as the end of the road, it can be viewed as a valuable learning experience and an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. My personal story illustrates how a proactive approach to feedback can turn a rejection into a new opportunity. My Last Mission: I once applied for a role in Afghanistan and, admittedly, didn’t prepare as thoroughly as I should have for the interview. When I received the rejection, it was clear that my lack of preparation was the reason. However, instead of letting the rejection discourage me, I sought feedback, approaching the feedback session as an opportunity to show my value and determination for future opportunities, if not for this role. During the conversation, I accepted their points and provided additional context where appropriate, essentially treating the feedback session as a second interview. Afterwards, I followed up with a thoughtful email, thanking them for the opportunity and wishing the successful applicants good luck in their new roles. A few weeks later, I received an unexpected call. One of the selected candidates had withdrawn, and because of my positive and proactive approach, I was offered the position. The rest, as they say, is history! “Rejection is not the end; it's an invitation to refine your approach, learn from the experience, and return stronger. Sometimes, the path to success is found in how you handle setbacks." This experience underscores the importance of resilience and the willingness to turn feedback into a learning opportunity. ·     When faced with rejection, take the initiative to seek constructive feedback. ·     Demonstrate full respect for their time and the feedback they’re offering. ·     Use it to refine your approach and demonstrate your ability to adapt and grow. ·     Follow up with a positive and thoughtful response, showing that you value the process and are still committed to contributing to the organisation. This proactive mindset leaves a lasting impression and can open doors that might have seemed closed.

One of the most common questions I get asked, especially when I speak at tech events, is this: "How do I handle feedback and turn it into a tool for growth?" Feedback can feel tricky sometimes. I get it - you’re putting your work, your ideas, your skills out there, and then someone comes back and tells you it’s not quite right. It can sting, right? I’ve been there too. But here’s the thing - how you respond to feedback can either fuel your career growth or quietly hold you back. Let me explain. When you approach feedback with the wrong attitude, whether it’s defensiveness, dismissiveness, or even avoidance, you’re shutting the door to potential improvement. Imagine building a great product and ignoring feedback because, "It works fine for me!" It sounds ridiculous, but that’s exactly what a wrong attitude to feedback looks like. However, let me show you how I make feedback a tool for growth: 👉 I detach my ego from my work: I understand that sometimes comments on our work can get to us, but it’s a lot easier when I remind myself that my work or ideas are not me specifically. I consciously choose not to see feedback as an attack but as an opportunity to make my work better. 👉 I ask for clarification: Sometimes, people just want to talk or make vague comments, and I ensure that I filter things properly by asking the right questions. If the feedback isn’t clear, I ask for examples or specifics. I’ll say things like, “Can you show me what you mean?” or “What would you suggest as an improvement?” This helps me turn vague critiques into actionable insights. 👉 I create a feedback loop: After implementing feedback, I follow up by asking, “Does this solve the issue you pointed out?” This shows I’m proactive and allows me to openly communicate, making feedback even more effective. The right attitude to feedback can transform how you grow in your career. Use it as a tool to refine and elevate your work rather than something to fear. I hope this helps someone. See you in the future! Samuel Lasisi #linkedin #feedback #career #tech #uxdesign #uiuxdesign

I still remember the times when every feedback used to be followed by a defensive battle plan in my head, feedback felt like a personal attack, and now I realize that it was my ego, a fragile balloon on the brink of popping. But here's the thing: growth thrives on feedback. That's why I went from feedback phobic to feedback fanatic. It's like having a team of expert coaches cheering you on from the sidelines, pointing out blind spots and suggesting new paths. Now, I chase down feedback, Clients, colleagues, everyone becomes a potential mentor. Not because I have nothing better to do 😊, but because I've realized those tiny tweaks, those "aha!" moments born from feedback, are the ones that propel you to the next level. Here's my secret sauce: ❄️ Open mind, open heart: Ditch the defensiveness. Embrace feedback as a gift, a chance to evolve. ❄️ Structure is your friend: Focus on specific actions, not personal attacks. ❄️ Mindful implementation: Don't just listen, internalize. Analyze, prioritize, and choose the gems that fit your journey. It's not about perfection, it's about progress. #Leadership #Mindset #GrowthMindset #FeedbackCulture #ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment P.S. Coffee is my preferred feedback delivery method. Just sayin'. ------------------- I write regularly on People | Leadership | Financial services | Sustainability. Follow Surya Sharma

𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵. Now? I treat it like free strategy consulting. A few years ago, a prospect passed on my offer. I thought we had a great call. They said all the right things. Then the email came: “It wasn’t clear what I’d actually walk away with.” Oof. Not rude. Not wrong. Just... direct. And that line stuck with me. ↳ Because I realized: If one person said it, more people had thought it. That email didn’t just sting. It became a turning point. I dug through every call note, every message, every “almost.” And I started hearing the stuff I’d been ignoring. → Confusion around the process → Hesitation around the price → Generic language that didn’t land And once I started fixing it? Bookings doubled. Conversions spiked. Referrals got easier. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝘆𝘁𝗲𝘀, I’m breaking down the exact framework I use with clients to: → Turn positive feedback into copy that converts → Turn tough feedback into your most valuable sales asset → And turn invisible friction into loyal clients This isn’t about glowing testimonials. It’s about the comments you’re tempted to brush off. 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀. You’ll never look at feedback the same way again. If you’ve ever felt like your offer should be working better than it is… Read this one. #messagingstrategy #clientgrowth #conversioncopywriting

Early in my career I used to resist feedback and get defensive, and combative, actually. I would say “I am open to feedback” Then shut down. I know why. I grew up where you only received negative feedback,  never positive & it felt like I only ever made mistakes. I hated it. As a professional, I prided myself on working really hard and minimizing mistakes. In part to avoid negative feedback. Over time, ↳ I learned how to be more objective, ↳ process the information, ↳ process my emotions, ↳ and how to listen, without reacting I have seen many people do this many times. From New employees to Corporate Vice Presidents. We think we are ready, until someone says, “i have feedback for you” ... Here’s how to receive feedback without shutting down (Even when it stings): ✅ Expect it, don’t fear it → Ask: “What’s one thing I could have done better?” → Invite feedback before it’s given to you → It won’t feel like a surprise or attack ✅ Pause, don’t pounce → Don’t explain or argue in the moment → Just write it down and listen → That pause helps you stay present ✅ Get curious, not cornered → Ask: “Can you share a recent example?” → Don’t defend. Ask questions. → Find one point you can agree with ✅ Focus on the what, not the who → Say: “This is about the work, not me” → Focus on the behavior being named → Growth starts with that small shift ✅ Look for patterns, not perfection → One comment = input. Multiple = insight → Fix trends, not one-off opinions → Keep what’s useful. Let go of the rest. You don’t have to agree with feedback to learn from it. Resistance is optional. Growth isn’t. What’s helped you handle tough feedback better? ♻️ Repost to support your team’s growth. 🔔 Follow Justin Hills for practical leadership insights.

Overcoming Setbacks with the GIFT© of Co-Creation 🎁 None of us likes to hear “no” or feel rejected. It stings—especially when you’ve poured your heart and soul into a proposal or plan. It’s hard not to take it personally or let self-doubt creep in. Early in my career, every client “no” felt like a direct hit to my confidence. I’d obsess over what I did wrong, as if rejection was a reflection of my worth. But one particular “no” taught me an invaluable lesson: Instead of fixating on what didn’t go my way, I could shift my focus to what else might be possible. If you’re feeling the sting of a “no” right now, try giving yourself the GIFT©: 🌱 Growth Mindset Rejection isn’t failure—it’s feedback. A “no” is often a sign that something wasn’t quite aligned, and that’s okay. Reframe it as an opportunity to learn: What can you take away from this experience about yourself, the other person, or the dynamics of the situation? 💡 Intentionality Take a step back and revisit your intended outcomes. Were they realistic for both sides? Was the other party truly in a position to align with your goals? Sometimes a “no” redirects you to a partnership or opportunity that’s a better fit for everyone. 🌊 Flexibility Try to see the situation through their perspective. Maybe what you proposed felt overwhelming or misaligned with their priorities. Sometimes, your vision or approach may be more advanced than what they’re ready to take on. Adaptability opens doors to new possibilities. 🤝 Thought Partnership Consider engaging others through thinking questions earlier in the process. Invite insights, ask dialogue-generating questions, and create cognitive space for collaboration from the start. This approach not only builds trust but also taps into collective wisdom to craft solutions that resonate deeply for both sides. Setbacks are inevitable, and rejection will never feel easy—but how we respond makes all the difference. How do you handle setbacks in sales or leadership? How might the GIFT© of Co-Creation help you see "no" in a new light? #leadership #leaders #growthmindset #sales #success #cocreation #winwin

Many managers assume their titles give them permission to give feedback. Not quite. That’s exactly where many people managers stumble. They assume authority equals permission to critique. They believe they can give unvarnished feedback on day 1. They overlook the investment needed to build permission. The truth? Feedback only fuels growth if you’ve put in the work upfront. In my recent talk about "Making the Shift from Manager to Coach," I shared a six-step framework for turning feedback into fuel for growth: 1. Build the Relationship Feedback only lands when trust exists. Start early—recruiting, onboarding, first 1:1s. Learn their goals and dreams. Show real care. When people know you’re invested in them, they’ll actually hear you when you challenge them. 2. Shift the Perception Many employees see feedback as criticism. I know used to. Instead, reframe it as fuel for growth—without it, skills and careers stagnate. Explain how you use feedback to grow. Ask: “How do you like to receive feedback—real-time or in one-on-ones?” Learn about their past experiences and pitfalls to avoid. 3. Make It About Them, Not You Don’t tie feedback to your frustrations or reputation. Keep the spotlight on their growth, outcomes, and impact. When feedback connects directly to their success, defensiveness drops. 4. Ensure It Serves Growth Don’t just say what went wrong—point out why it matters and what to do differently. Connect the dots to their goals and their careers. Suggested actions > vague critiques. 5. Make It a Choice Ownership beats compliance every time. After giving feedback, ask: “What difference could this make if you shifted this behavior?” Invite them to choose the next step. When feedback feels like a choice, not a demand, ownership and accountability skyrockets. 6. Coach to Action Feedback is the starting line, not the finish line. Follow up, check progress, and clear obstacles. Offer resources and encouragement. Growth sticks when feedback becomes part of an ongoing coaching conversation. When managers get this right, feedback doesn’t drain trust—it builds it. It doesn’t create fear—it sparks ownership. And it doesn’t impede growth—it accelerates it. I love delivering this talk—because when managers get this right, their people grow faster, their teams thrive, and results follow. If your leaders struggle giving feedback, let’s connect.

Turning Criticism into Fuel: How to Thrive in the Face of Doubt Criticism might sting at first, but it can also serve as the rocket fuel you need to launch yourself toward your goals. Instead of viewing negative comments as a roadblock, think of them as a chance to prove yourself, learn, and grow. Here’s how: Embrace the “Ouch” Moment Ever hit your funny bone? It hurts, but you usually walk away just fine. Criticism can feel like that—painful, but ultimately survivable. Acknowledge the sting, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that criticism isn’t a life sentence. It’s feedback. Decode the Message Sometimes, criticism hides valuable insights. Maybe your presentation was too long, or you forgot to consider a key detail. Listen for the gems that will help you improve. If you can learn something from it—even if it was delivered rudely—you come out ahead. Separate Fact from Feelings Negative feedback can trigger emotional fireworks. Before you blow up in frustration, ask, “Is there merit in what they’re saying?” You can’t control everyone else’s tone, but you can control how you respond. Sort out the useful critiques from the unhelpful snark. Use It as Motivation Picture every piece of criticism as a tiny booster pack for your ambition. If someone doubts your ability, prove them wrong by channeling that energy into action. You’ll feel extra proud knowing you turned a negative comment into forward momentum. Build a Support Squad Share any particularly harsh feedback with friends or mentors who can offer perspective. They’ll remind you of your strengths, help you process the criticism, and keep you from dwelling on any over-the-top negativity. Celebrate Small Wins Criticism can feel like a giant arrow pointing at all your flaws. Combat the negativity by celebrating the smaller achievements you accomplish every day. Keeping track of your wins—no matter how small—helps you realize how far you’ve come. Grow Your Resilience Muscles Every time you bounce back from a harsh critique, you’re flexing your resilience muscles. Over time, you’ll notice that criticism becomes less intimidating. Soon, you’ll see it for what it truly is: an opportunity to get better. Remember: Criticism can either leave you feeling defeated or spark the fire that propels you forward. The choice is all yours. Next time doubt comes your way, turn that negative energy into a reason to shine even brighter! Wings of Wisdom Transitional Wellness Intuitive

How I turned relentless rejection into unstoppable resilience: A lesson for every aspiring entrepreneur. 1. Embrace Rejection Rejection isn’t failure; it’s feedback. Here’s how to turn every “no” into your stepping stone. • Each rejection is a learning opportunity. • Analyze why you were rejected and adapt. • Use rejection to build resilience, not discouragement. 2. Persist Relentlessly Persistence outshines talent. Relentless pursuit transforms setbacks into breakthroughs. • Keep knocking on doors, no matter how many close. • Stay focused on your vision, regardless of obstacles. • Understand that every rejection brings you closer to success. 3. Learn on the Fly When you lack experience, let curiosity be your guide. Dive in and learn as you go. • Embrace every project as a chance to grow. • Don’t fear the unknown; face it head-on. • Your willingness to learn will set you apart. 4. Adapt and Evolve Adaptability is key to entrepreneurial success. Evolve with every experience. • Each setback offers a lesson. • Adapt your strategy based on real-world feedback. • Keep refining your approach until you find what works. 5. Turn Small Wins into Big Opportunities A single small opportunity can be the catalyst for monumental growth. • Seize every opportunity, no matter how small. • Leverage small wins to build credibility and momentum. • One breakthrough can open doors you never imagined. 6. Build a Resilient Mindset A resilient mindset transforms rejection into fuel for growth. • Cultivate a positive, growth-oriented mindset. • View challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. • Resilience is the foundation of sustained success. 7. The Power of Networking Connections can turn rejections into opportunities. Network relentlessly. • Build relationships with people in your industry. • Every connection is a potential opportunity. • Use your network to gain insights and open doors. 8. Celebrate Progress Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Each step forward is a victory. • Recognize and celebrate your achievements. • Small wins boost morale and motivation. • Progress, no matter how incremental, is still progress. 9. Share Your Journey Sharing your journey of resilience inspires others and builds your brand. • Be transparent about your challenges and triumphs. • Your story can motivate and inspire fellow entrepreneurs. • Authenticity resonates with audiences and builds trust. 10. Never Give Up The door that finally opens can change everything. Never stop knocking. • Persistence is the key to unlocking success. • Each rejection is a step closer to your goal. • The next door you knock on could be the one that changes everything. Rejection is a lesson, guiding you on the path to your ultimate success. Photos by Riley Russill

How I Learned to Stop Fearing Feedback and Start Growing Faster I used to avoid feedback like it was bad news. You know that feeling, heart racing, palms sweaty, like someone’s about to tell you everything you’re doing wrong? I’d tell myself, “If no one says anything, it means I’m doing fine.” But that mindset kept me stuck. No growth. No improvement. Just… stuck. Then I heard this perspective shift, and it changed everything: “Feedback isn’t criticism, it’s a shortcut to success.” Suddenly, I realized that every piece of feedback is like a map. It shows you exactly where you are and where you need to go. Here’s how I started using feedback to level up my personal and professional growth: 1. Ask for it before it’s "given" Don’t wait for your boss, mentor, or client to call you out. Ask first. When you’re proactive, you stay in control. It shows confidence, self-awareness, and hunger for growth. 2. Separate feedback from your feelings Feedback isn’t about you, it’s about the work. I had to learn this the hard way. Once I stopped taking it personally, I could actually hear the message and make changes. 3. Look for the "gold nugget" Not all feedback will be useful. Some of it might even be wrong. But if you listen closely, there’s usually one piece of insight that can 10x your growth. Take that nugget and run with it. 4. Track your growth, not just your goals I started keeping a “feedback log”, a simple notebook where I track the advice I get and how I acted on it. Seeing that progress made me realize how far I’ve come. When you stop running from feedback and start seeking it, you grow faster than you ever thought possible. It’s like upgrading from walking with a blindfold on… to walking with a GPS. You get to your goals faster, and with fewer wrong turns. #Tolulopemichael #PersonalGrowth #GrowthMindset #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipTips