Negative feedback

After a hiatus of over a month I went back to www.kamaldshah.com. I have always learnt immensely from Kamal, my elder brother. His blogs are addictive. Unfortunately, for a very long time I didn't follow the blog. However, just when I started I came across a very interesting subject on negative feedback posted on this link - http://www.kamaldshah.com/2010/11/on-giving-negative-feedback.html#links

The post inspired me to make a post of my own on this touchy topic. People associated with me in my company would realize why it is "touchy". Anyways, I have been on the receiving end as well as the giving end of negative feedback several times. I always seek feedback and give negative feedback my full attention. I have learnt more from negative feedback than I have from positive. However, there have been instances, many such lately, which I disagreed with. Unfortunately, in these instances there wasn't any scope for a debate as the verdict was given without any hearing whatsoever. This is where I cannot accept a negative feedback. 

I have also given feedback, good and bad to my team several times. Some have taken it very well while some haven't. However, one thing no one can dispute is the fact that I don't listen. Any decision of mine is through deliberation. I firmly believe that a company and its team has to be on the same wave length. There could be disagreements on a few issues which need to be discussed. Everyone has to have a say and everyone has to listen. After all the deliberation the company / team should arrive at a consensus with regard to the direction to proceed on. I believe everyone has his/her own ability. Everyone has something to offer. Negative feedback shouldn't ever be given without an intent of a positive outcome. 

My father's words come to my mind - "Be careful with criticism, liberal with praise."