Navigating Feedback Resistance with Your Supervisor: A Human Perspective
Dealing with a supervisor who is resistant to feedback can be challenging, especially when you already feel the weight of managing your own tasks, your department's feedback, and your boss's tasks. It's important to approach this situation with empathy and understanding, knowing that your supervisor is human and has their own set of pressures and responsibilities.
Understanding the Human Side of Your Supervisor
Imagine yourself in your supervisor's shoes. The challenges they face are immense, requiring them to juggle the needs and opinions of various stakeholders, including their own management, your team, and yourself. Your supervisor is also human, with their own workload, family, and personal life. Just as you would expect them to give you time to adjust to feedback, they need the same courtesy and understanding.
Self-Reflection
Consider how you would react if you were in your supervisor's position. How would you handle receiving feedback, especially if it sometimes contradicts your own perspective? Reflecting on these personal experiences can help you build empathy and patience with your supervisor. Just as you might hesitate to accept advice about your work, your supervisor might be hesitant to accept feedback about their own.
Your supervisor may not frequently receive praise or recognition for their work, similar to how you might not receive frequent positive feedback from them. This suggests that positive reinforcement is equally important from both sides for a healthy work dynamic to flourish.
Building a Strong Work Relationship
To effectively navigate this situation, it's crucial to understand and respect your supervisor's perspective. Here are some strategies to handle a supervisor who resists feedback:
Communication is Key
Communicate openly and respectfully. Set up regular meetings to discuss progress and concerns. Approach these discussions with a mindset of collaboration rather than confrontation. By doing so, you can ensure that your supervisor feels supported and involved in the process.
Consistency and Patience
Understand that change takes time and patience. If your supervisor is resistant, it might take multiple attempts to see a change in their behavior. Be persistent but also give them space to adjust.
Document Feedback
Keep a record of feedback and changes. This can serve as a reference to show your supervisor how feedback has positively impacted the team or individual tasks. It's also important to compile your feedback in a constructive and professional manner to avoid any misunderstandings.
Examples from Personal Experience
For instance, my mother, who was a boss with over 21 years of experience, faced similar challenges. She had to balance the needs of her team and her own management, and there were times when she had to address negative feedback to the team without praising them for their successes. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and clear communication in managing feedback and expectations.
Empathy Through Experience
Remember, your supervisor is managing a wide range of responsibilities, often under significant pressure. By demonstrating empathy and providing practical support, you can build a stronger relationship and improve the overall work environment.
In conclusion, approaching feedback resistance with a human perspective can lead to more effective communication and collaboration in the workplace. By understanding and respecting your supervisor's challenges, you can navigate this challenging situation and create a more positive and productive work environment.
By focusing on empathy, consistency, and clear communication, you can help your supervisor and your team grow together. Remember, just as you would expect patience and understanding, your supervisor deserves the same from you.