Receiving negative feedback is something every leader faces — but nobody really teaches you how to handle it well. In this episode, we talk about why your reaction to negative feedback matters more than you might think, and how developing the skill of receiving it well can genuinely change the trajectory of your career.

We share real examples, including a story from Pam's own career where one piece of feedback held her back from presenting confidently for years — and what she wishes she'd done differently in that moment.

Key points from this episode

• Why how you respond to negative feedback creates either a vicious or virtuous cycle in your career
• The mindset shift that separates feedback from your sense of identity
• Why asking more questions after difficult feedback is more powerful than going away to stew on it
• Longer-term strategies to make feedback easier to receive — and less likely to sting
• How regularly asking for feedback desensitises you and builds trust with the people around you

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

00:26 Why Negative Feedback Hits So Hard

02:59 The Vicious and Virtuous Cycle

05:37 Separating Feedback from Identity

09:00 Unpacking a Real Listener Example

13:00 What to Do in the Moment

16:37 Creating Distance and Regulating Your Emotions

18:00 Pam's Personal Story: The Presentation That Set Her Back

23:00 Longer-Term Strategies: Feedforward and Seeking Input

25:30 Making Feedback a Regular Habit

26:37 Closing the Loop: Acknowledging What You've Done With Feedback

28:00 Close and Call to Action

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

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