You may feel comfortable giving feedback, but how well do you accept feedback yourself? Whether you hear some constructive comments from a colleague, or a client provides feedback on their experience, it’s important to know how to receive that feedback well.

When you receive feedback and then take steps to apply it, you can become a better professional and leader. Best-selling author David Burkus asserts that feedback is a better teacher than any book or training.

So, how can you make yourself more open to receiving feedback at work? Keep reading this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, where we outline Burkus’ four steps to embracing feedback.

1. Express gratitude. When someone shares feedback with you, always say thank you, says Burkus. You may want to immediately share what you plan to adjust. Or you may get defensive and try to explain what the other person doesn’t understand. Remember that feedback is a gift—even if it’s tough to hear. Try to see things from their perspective, recommends Burkus. The person providing the feedback is taking a risk on how you will respond. They don’t know if you will get angry or even listen to what they have to say in the first place. By showing your appreciation from the beginning, you show your colleague, boss or client that you welcome their comments.

2. Repeat the feedback. After saying thank you, the next step is to restate the other person’s comments. Burkus recommends saying something like, “What I hear you saying is …” This step allows you to confirm you understand the message. It also shows that you were listening to the other person. When they know they are heard, they will feel like their comments matter.

3. Share what you intend to change. Feedback is only helpful if you use it to help improve a situation. If someone shares a concern, let the other know how you plan to use their feedback to grow. You can take time to think on what you want to change, adds Burkus. You might be in a group setting or you might not have an immediate response. Thank the other person, restate what you heard and then circle back once you determine how you will apply the feedback.

4. Continuously seek feedback. The last step to getting better at receiving feedback is to ask for it often. Feedback isn’t a one-and-done intervention, says Burkus. Feedback is a process that helps you grow and learn over time. When you receive feedback from a boss, colleague or client, ask if you can schedule some time on their calendar to regroup. This helps guarantee you receive more feedback and signals that you are open to hearing others’ thoughts about your work and performance.

When you understand how others view your work and contributions, you can learn how to improve and grow. Seek out feedback from your bosses, colleagues and clients. Listen to what they say and act on it. Then circle back to see how things have changed from their perspective. You’ll reap the benefits of self-improvement and more solid relationships with the people you work with most.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers