Receiving feedback - especially when you've been eagerly awaiting it - can be nerve-wracking. It’s particularly frustrating if the feedback eventually comes, but it’s vague or unclear. Asking questions in this case can be very helpful. Rather than making assumptions about what the feedback means or becoming defensive, take the time to ask for specific examples or suggestions on how you can improve. This not only shows that you’re taking the feedback seriously but also helps you gain a deeper understanding of the issue at hand.
If a colleague mentions that your reports are unclear, don’t simply accept the criticism at face value. Ask for examples of where they felt confusion or what specific changes they would suggest to improve clarity. This approach turns feedback into a constructive dialogue, giving you practical ways to improve rather than leaving you feeling unsure about what went wrong.