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210 - How to Receive Feedback Without Spiralling
In this episode, Cindy Esliger discusses why receiving feedback can feel so emotionally overwhelming and how it can quietly derail careers if left unchecked. She describes the common experience of replaying performance reviews long after they happen, questioning our abilities, and letting a single piece of criticism overshadow everything else. Cindy focuses on how feedback often triggers imposter syndrome, especially in environments where scrutiny already feels high, and why learning to process criticism effectively is essential for building a resilient and successful career.
Cindy explains that our reactions to feedback are deeply connected to how our brains process perceived threats. Because of the brain’s negativity bias, criticism can trigger a stress response that makes us defensive, emotional, or stuck replaying the conversation. She also highlights three red flags to watch for when receiving feedback, helping us recognize when criticism is useful and when it may simply be noise: 1. Distinguish between vague personal attacks and specific behavior-based feedback, 2. Pay attention to timing and setting, and 3. Notice when we start adding our own story.
To help us manage feedback more effectively, Cindy shares eight practical strategies for handling criticism without spiraling and instead turning it into useful information: 1. Pause before reacting to interrupt the emotional response, 2. Develop a feedback filter, 3. Seek clarification when feedback is vague or unclear, 4. Reframe the story we’re telling ourselves about the feedback, 5. Look for patterns over time, 6. Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, 7. Practice gratitude for the information, and 8. Restate and paraphrase the feedback to confirm understanding. By approaching criticism with curiosity and intention, Cindy reminds us that feedback doesn’t have to become a spiral of self-doubt. Instead, it can become a powerful tool for growth, self-awareness, and building the career we truly want.
Resources discussed in this episode:
—
Contact Cindy Esliger
Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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By Cindy EsligerIn this episode, Cindy Esliger discusses why receiving feedback can feel so emotionally overwhelming and how it can quietly derail careers if left unchecked. She describes the common experience of replaying performance reviews long after they happen, questioning our abilities, and letting a single piece of criticism overshadow everything else. Cindy focuses on how feedback often triggers imposter syndrome, especially in environments where scrutiny already feels high, and why learning to process criticism effectively is essential for building a resilient and successful career.
Cindy explains that our reactions to feedback are deeply connected to how our brains process perceived threats. Because of the brain’s negativity bias, criticism can trigger a stress response that makes us defensive, emotional, or stuck replaying the conversation. She also highlights three red flags to watch for when receiving feedback, helping us recognize when criticism is useful and when it may simply be noise: 1. Distinguish between vague personal attacks and specific behavior-based feedback, 2. Pay attention to timing and setting, and 3. Notice when we start adding our own story.
To help us manage feedback more effectively, Cindy shares eight practical strategies for handling criticism without spiraling and instead turning it into useful information: 1. Pause before reacting to interrupt the emotional response, 2. Develop a feedback filter, 3. Seek clarification when feedback is vague or unclear, 4. Reframe the story we’re telling ourselves about the feedback, 5. Look for patterns over time, 6. Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, 7. Practice gratitude for the information, and 8. Restate and paraphrase the feedback to confirm understanding. By approaching criticism with curiosity and intention, Cindy reminds us that feedback doesn’t have to become a spiral of self-doubt. Instead, it can become a powerful tool for growth, self-awareness, and building the career we truly want.
Resources discussed in this episode:
—
Contact Cindy Esliger
Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.