WHY EVEN THE BEST FEEDBACK CAN BRING OUT THE WORST IN US

“Our minds have many cunning strategies for shunning feedback – but there are ways to avoid these traps, say psychologists Robert Nash and Naomi Winstone”

Published: 9 March 2017, BBC, http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170308-why-even-the-best-feedback-can-bring-out-the-worst-in-us

Level of Difficulty: **

BEFORE YOU READ

·         Get better at receiving feedback https://hbr.org/video/3166586126001/get-better-at-receiving-feedback

QUESTIONS

1.       What is the irony in our attitude to success? Although ….(Tweak the text)

2.       There is no doubt that we could benefit from feedback but nevertheless we consider it………………………..

3.       The above attitude and our resulting reaction is basically foolish because ….

4.       Which of the examples below is an example of a “fingers in ears” reaction?

·         A terminally ill cancer patient not visiting or consulting the doctor

·         A patient who is scared of surgery not going to the doctor for a hip replacement

5.       What was the result of the “TAA Deficiency” experiment?

6.       What is the take home point from this experiment?

7.       A professional actor is attending a theater course. During an exercise, he is outperformed by an amateur. How does he preserve his positive self image? By saying

·         I should have done better

·         I could have done better

·         I must do better next time

·         I have more professional contacts

·         I need to have more professional contacts

8.       Discrediting the feedback provider enables the subject to

·         Restrain himself

·         Comfort himself

·         Improve himself

·         Tempt himself

9.       What conclusion can we draw from the example of the female teacher?

10.   We understand from all we have read so far that people who are more accepting of criticism are those with…

11.   We understand from the study involving historical events that there is a positive correlation between being receptive to feedback and …(Two answers, find both)

12.   Which of the following phrases could be added to the beginning of the introduction:

·         As a result

·         In conclusion

·         To sum up

WRITING TASK

Watch the following lecture on giving and receiving feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJoMZaZVFkg  When you are done, write an essay in which you discuss the ways to provide and receive feedback.

WHY EVEN THE BEST FEEDBACK CAN BRING OUT THE WORST IN US KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES

Giving and receiving feedback is very important in achieving success. This text analyzes the reasons why most people are so touchy and have problems receiving feedback. The questions provide a gentle  introduction to serious inferential questions.

1.       Although we want to achieve success , we would rather not hear worm words of wisdom, constructive criticism or 360 degree feedback

2.       A threat to our self esteem and positive sense of identity

3.       It shines an unflattering spotlight on our insecurities, character flaws and unpleasant attitudes

4.       The second

5.        52% of those who were told they would have to take a pill for two weeks agreed to provide a diagnostic cheek swab but only 21% of those who were told they would have to take the pills for the rest of their lives did.

6.       People are resistant to hearing feedback when they believe it could oblige them to do something difficult or unpleasant

7.       I have more professional contacts

8.       Comfort himself

9.       The way we blame feedback givers can sometimes uncover our most unpalatable prejudices

10.   High self esteem

11.   Investment of resources in receiving it  OR the feedback being wanted

12.   To sum up; the conclusion is a summary