Thanks, But I Didn’t Ask
The trouble with unsolicited feedback.
Watch this:
When should you ignore feedback? When you didn’t ask for it.
Or? Should you, really?
Not every feedback is a gift
You hear it all the time:
Feedback is a gift.
Feedback helps you grow.
Feedback is a must for collaboration.
But Dorie Clark takes it to the bin. I like that because indeed, there are times you should ignore feedback.
Feedback can be an unwanted gift. You know, all these vases, candles, socks for Christmas.
You nod and smile after receiving them. But ultimately, throw them somewhere where they do not bother you.
It is the same with feedback. People do have their agendas, and some try to get into your head.
It depends, of course.
But not every feedback is a gift.
3 situations to ignore feedback
Let’s be bad today and ignore feedback if:
1. They don’t get the full picture
People love to give feedback. But if they haven’t walked in your shoes, seen the inside of your project, or understood who you're building for, then sorry, their feedback might not be relevant.
It’s not personal. It’s just not helpful.
Remember not all opininios are insights.2. It pulls you away from what really matters
If the feedback asks you to play smaller, dilute your message, or shift your focus just to please others, pause. You know what you’re here to do.
Not every suggestion deserves implementation. Some deserve the archive bin.
Protect your vision like it's your job. Because it is.3. It’s not about you — it’s about them
You can feel it. The tone. The timing. The weird energy behind it. Some feedback is just someone needing to feel smart, important, or right.
That’s not a gift. That’s an emotional mess for them to feel better.
You don’t owe everyone a front-row seat to your growth.When should you ask for feedback?
On the flipside, here are 3 moments when you should ask for feedback:
1. When you need a fresh perspective
Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. You may feel there is little progress, or you simply doubt there is anything more for you.
That’s a good time to ask for feedback.
An outside view can highlight blind spots, show you opportunities, and directions you haven’t considered.
Ask early, before you hit a wall.2. When you want to grow but don’t know where to start
“What’s next?” You’ve been doing the same job for a while, and it is time for something. But what is it?
Growth might feel blurry when you don’t know where to start. Asking for feedback helps you identify your strengths and gaps to fill.
It’s like suddenly you’re on the path again.
Honest feedback = growth3. When you’re about to make a strategic decision
Decisions come with big risks. Whether it’s launching a new app, shifting strategy, or taking a leadership role. Feedback helps you test your expectations and see pitfalls early.
Use feedback as your second pair of eyes.
Don't go there alone.Final feedback
Not all feedback deserves your time. Some of it’s just noise trying to hijack your mind.
So go ahead, be picky. Have a good one, Ivona
On the menu:
Monday Deep Dive: XX
Thursday Newsletter: XX