- Fight Club For Women
- Posts
- Mastering the Art of Feedback
Mastering the Art of Feedback
(Without Morphing Into a Defensive Gremlin)
Rosanne Santos
August 22, 2025
💥 Mastering the Art of Feedback
How to Take Criticism Without Turning Into a Defensive Gremlin
Let’s face it: nobody enjoys being told they messed up. The knee-jerk reaction? Defend, deny, deflect. But here’s the deal—constructive criticism isn’t a personal attack. It’s basically a free software update for your life. The faster you learn to accept it without hissing like a cornered cat, the faster you grow.
🚦 Step 1: Shut Your Mouth
Your first instinct will be to blurt out a defense. Don’t. Zip it. Pause. Breathe. Count to five.
👉 Pro move: Looking calm and collected buys you credibility instead of making you look like you’re auditioning for a soap opera meltdown.
👂 Step 2: Actually Listen
Don’t just wait for your turn to talk—listen like it matters (because it does).
Nod.
Make eye contact.
Resist interrupting.
Think “wise sage,” not “impatient toddler.”
❓ Step 3: Ask Smart Questions
If the feedback is foggy, don’t sulk—get clarity.
“Could you give me an example?”
“What does ‘better’ look like?”
“So you’re saying X, right?”
Boom—you just turned “ouch” into “opportunity.”
🚫 Step 4: Don’t Make It About You
Feedback is about your work, not your worth.
Say it again for the people in the back: Feedback is data, not a diss.
🧠 Step 5: Put Ego on a Leash
Yes, it stings. Growth usually does. But if you want nothing but applause, go juggle on the sidewalk. If you want to improve, take the notes.
🙏 Step 6: Say “Thanks” Like an Adult
Even if you don’t agree 100%, thank them.
“Thanks for pointing that out.”
“Appreciate the feedback.”
Translation: “I’m mature enough not to throw a tantrum.”
🔍 Step 7: Reflect, Don’t React
The magic happens later. Write down what you heard, decide what’s useful, and ditch the fluff. Then take action—because feedback you ignore is just wasted oxygen.
🎯 The Takeaway
Feedback isn’t the enemy. It’s free coaching. Master the art of receiving it, and you’ll look smarter, grow faster, and avoid looking like that one coworker who argues with everything.
~Rosanne
“Constructive criticism is just someone handing you a flashlight in a dark room. You can use it to see—or throw it across the room and keep stubbing your toe.”
Today’s Top News
📊 Market Snapshot
Dow: 39,280 (🔴 –0.3%) | S&P 500: 6,371 (🔴 –0.4%) | Bitcoin: 🔴 –0.7%
Putin Demands Greater Leverage in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region, renounce its NATO aspirations, remain neutral, and bar Western troops, say three sources familiar with Kremlin discussions.Nord Stream Attack Suspect Arrested in Italy
Italian authorities have arrested a Ukrainian man suspected of coordinating the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline attacks—a major breakthrough in the probe.Famine Hits Gaza as Aid Supplies Deplete
A global hunger monitor reports famine in Gaza, with fortified milk and nutrient pastes critically low, pushing more children toward starvation.$500M Fine Dropped in Trump Fraud Case
A New York appeals court has thrown out a $500 million penalty against Donald Trump while preserving the underlying fraud case—granting him a legal reprieve.California Redistricting Boosts Democratic Seats
California’s legislature approved a new congressional map expected to net Democrats five additional seats, countering GOP redistricting gains in Texas.Xi Jinping Likely to Miss October Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to attend a major Asian leaders' summit in October, dampening hopes of a Trump–Xi meeting.
QUICK HITS
A false active shooter alert caused panic at Villanova University. The school's president said it was a "cruel hoax" while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the situation was the result of a swatting call; a similar incident also happened at Tennessee-Chattanooga (More)
Erik Menendez was denied parole by a California state board; Lyle Menendez's hearing is set for today. The infamous brothers are bidding for freedom after being resentenced decades after they murdered their parents; Gov. Gavin Newsom could overrule the parole board and grant clemency (More)
Six people died in an accident at a Colorado dairy farm. Few details were released about the incident about 45 miles outside Denver, but fire crews were dispatched for a "confined space rescue," according to officials (More)
My Favorite Pinterest Saves Of The Day
What do you think about the new FCFW newsletter? Your opinion matters to me!! !! |