Receiving feedback at work can be daunting. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous when a manager or colleague points out areas for improvement. However, when approached with the right mindset, feedback becomes one of the most valuable tools for career growth.

Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that how we receive, process, and act on feedback can significantly impact our professional development.

Here’s how you can make feedback work for you:

1. Change your mindset about feedback

Early in my career, I used to dread feedback sessions. I saw them as critiques of my abilities rather than opportunities to improve. That changed when a mentor told me, “The moment you stop receiving feedback is the moment you stop growing.” Instead of seeing feedback as a personal attack, reframe it as a learning experience. Successful professionals actively seek out feedback because they understand that continuous improvement is key to career advancement. Even if feedback feels uncomfortable at first, remind yourself that it’s an investment in your future success.

2. Listen without defensiveness

I’ll admit—my initial reaction to constructive criticism used to be defensive. I once received feedback from my manager about how I could be more concise in my presentations. My instinct was to explain why I structured my presentations the way I did, but instead, I took a deep breath and listened. When receiving feedback, resist the urge to react immediately. Instead, focus on understanding the message. Take notes, ask clarifying questions, and thank the person for their insights. By doing this, you demonstrate professionalism and a willingness to grow.

3. Separate emotions from facts

Not all feedback is delivered perfectly. I once had a colleague give me feedback in a way that felt a little harsh. At first, I focused more on their tone than the actual message. However, after taking a step back, I realized they had a valid point. Try to extract the useful parts of the feedback without getting caught up in how it was delivered. If needed, take a moment to process it before responding. Look for patterns—if multiple people have given similar feedback, there’s likely truth to it.

4. Seek clarification and examples

Vague feedback like “You need to be more proactive” or “Your communication could be better” isn’t helpful unless it comes with specific examples. I once received feedback that I needed to improve my teamwork, but I wasn’t sure what that meant in practice. So, I asked my manager for examples of situations where I could have collaborated more effectively. That conversation helped me understand where I could make adjustments. If you’re unsure about the feedback given, ask for concrete examples. This not only clarifies expectations but also shows your commitment to improvement.

5. Develop an action plan

Once you understand the feedback, the next step is to create an action plan. One of the most effective ways to implement feedback is by setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, after receiving feedback about improving my public speaking skills, I signed up for a presentation skills workshop and committed to practicing with a colleague before big meetings. Having a plan in place made the feedback actionable and helped me track my progress.

6. Follow up and show improvement

Feedback isn’t just about hearing what you need to improve – it’s about taking action and demonstrating growth. After receiving constructive feedback, make an effort to improve and follow up with the person who gave it to you. I once had a manager suggest that I work on being more assertive in meetings. After a few weeks of consciously speaking up more, I checked in with them to ask if they had noticed any changes. Their positive response not only reinforced my progress but also strengthened my professional relationship with them.

Handling feedback well can accelerate your career growth and strengthen your professional relationships. By changing your mindset, listening without defensiveness, seeking clarification, creating an action plan, and following up, you can turn feedback into a powerful tool for self-improvement.

Remember, feedback isn’t about pointing out flaws – it’s about helping you become the best version of yourself. The more you embrace it, the more you’ll grow.