Receiving Feedback: The Key to Cultivating an Open Organizational Culture
- April 16, 2025
Feedback. Just hearing the word can make some of us uneasy. Often, professional conversations focus heavily on delivering feedback—attending workshops, mastering timing, selecting careful words, and fine-tuning delivery. Yet, a critical but often neglected skill is how to receive feedback effectively.
Let me illustrate with a real-life scenario from a recent coaching session. Rick Snyder, CEO of Invisible Edge, recently coached an executive who uncovered a surprising insight: he was resistant not only to constructive criticism but also to compliments. Rather than embracing feedback and praise, he deflected with humor or self-criticism, unintentionally dismissing valuable recognition from colleagues.
Listen from Rick
Does this sound familiar to you?
Why Receiving Feedback Shapes Organizational Culture
Feedback is essentially a gift—a valuable exchange of insights that can foster growth and enhance relationships within an organization. How you receive feedback significantly influences your relationship with the feedback giver and role-models to others how to receive feedback on your teams.
When feedback is dismissed or minimized, people become discouraged from openly sharing their thoughts in the future. They start thinking, “Does it even matter?” or “Why bother?” Gradually, feedback diminishes, communication breaks down, and growth opportunities are lost.
As leaders, how we respond to feedback sets an influential example for our teams. If we are resistant or defensive, we unintentionally model the same behavior, stifling our team’s ability to learn, adapt, and improve.
Embracing Feedback as an Opportunity
Here’s a transformative yet straightforward habit: the next time someone offers feedback—be it praise, criticism, or neutral commentary—simply pause, take a breath and let it in, and say, “Thank you.” This small act conveys appreciation, showing the giver their perspective is valued and heard.
Of course, feedback can sometimes be challenging, even uncomfortable. It might highlight areas we’d rather avoid. This discomfort underscores its importance. Acknowledge challenging feedback honestly by saying something like, “Thank you for sharing. I need some time to reflect; can we revisit this tomorrow?”
This approach accomplishes two critical goals: it respects your emotional space by giving you time to process, and it validates the effort of the person providing feedback, promoting continued openness and dialogue.
Fostering a Feedback-Friendly Environment
Imagine a workplace culture where feedback is shared freely, without fear or defensiveness. Teams regularly discuss strengths and opportunities openly. Managers and employees feel empowered, seeing feedback as an ally in their growth rather than a threat. Such an environment requires leaders who embrace feedback with openness and grace.
Recall the executive from earlier. As he learned to accept feedback positively, he saw profound changes—relationships deepened, communication strengthened, and his team felt safer giving and receiving feedback.
Accepting feedback doesn’t mean agreeing with everything you hear; it’s about creating a climate of trust and openness. Even if you ultimately disagree, initially receiving feedback respectfully strengthens relationships and fosters continuous improvement.
A Small Change with Significant Impact
Make this a practice starting today: whenever you receive feedback, pause, breathe, and say, “Thank you.” Respond thoughtfully or ask for additional time if needed.
Each “thank you” gradually transforms your organizational culture into one of openness, trust, and continuous growth. You will also grow personally, becoming a more confident and effective leader that can be contributed to by others.
Final Thoughts
Feedback, in both giving and receiving, fuels organizational success. By learning to graciously accept feedback, we honor the courage of those who provide it, cultivate stronger communication, and unlock our potential for personal and professional growth.
The next time feedback comes your way, embrace it warmly—it might just unlock your next breakthrough.