Feedback: From Missile to Gift

Early in my career, I received what felt like a devastating blow: my first tough performance review.

I was six months into my first job when my supervisor highlighted all the areas I needed to improve. Tears came—first in his office, then again in the restroom.

At the time, I couldn’t see the balance in his words. All I felt was failure and fear: Maybe I’m not cut out to be an investor.

But over time, I realized I was analyzing feedback the wrong way. I was treating it like a verdict, when in fact it was a dataset—imperfectly delivered, but full of valuable signals.

How I Changed My Perspective

🔎 Assume Positive Intent
Most feedback isn’t meant to wound—it’s offered to help. Interpreting it that way softened my defensiveness and opened me to growth.

📦 Look Past the Wrapping
Sometimes feedback is poorly packaged. Instead of focusing on tone, I learned to extract the kernel of truth inside—the insight that could illuminate a blind spot.

🧩 Get Curious
Questions became my best tool: Can you share an example? What might improvement look like? Curiosity turned feedback into a puzzle, not a personal attack.

🙏 Express Gratitude
This was the hardest shift. But acknowledging the effort someone took to give me feedback set a constructive tone—and often led to more “gifts” that accelerated my growth.

If Feedback Feels Hard for You…

Remember: every comment is data. It may not always be neatly packaged, but it can reveal patterns, blind spots, and growth opportunities you can’t see on your own.

👉 Which of these shifts could you try? Or, what other mindsets have helped you see feedback as a gift rather than a threat? Share your thoughts—your perspective might be the gift someone else needs today.

#GrowthMindset #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #Feedback #LearningAndDevelopment