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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Origin of the word «feedback»
Word feedback came to us from English and literally means «feedback» (feed <TAG1> – feed«, back <TAG1> – back«). The term first appeared in a technical context as early as the 1920s, when engineers described the regulation mechanism in electronics: the system received the signal, processed it, and «sent back the result information. So, thanks to feedback, for example, amplifiers could independently adjust the volume or sound quality.
Later, the word migrated to psychology, management and even everyday life. Already in the 1950s in the United States feedback began to be used to describe feedback between people –, for example, between teacher and student or supervisor and employee.
Feedback today
In today's world, feedback – is any comment or assessment of our activities, actions or behavior. He may be:
- Positive <TAG1> when a person is praised or recognized for his achievements. For example, «Your presentation was very convincing!»
- Negative <TAG1> when indicating errors or flaws. For example, «There are many errors in the text, it is better to read again».
- Constructive <TAG1> is a special kind of feedback that not just criticizes, but gives clear advice on how to improve the situation. For example, «Try to shorten the introduction a little, it is too stretched – so the text will be more dynamic».
And this is where the most interesting begins: feedback – is not synonymous with criticism, although many perceive him in this way. In fact, it is a growth tool. It gives us a chance to see ourselves from the outside, to understand what we are doing well and what else is worth working on.
Feedback in various fields
- At work: In IT companies, for example, feedback – is a whole culture. It is given after presentations, joint projects, interviews. Regular performance reviews <TAG1> is just feedback on how the employee does their job.
- In education: A teacher who doesn't just rate, but explains what turned out well and what – didn't, gives the student feedback. Thanks to this, the student understands how to better prepare next time.
- In a relationship: yes, even in friendship or love. When we say «I was uncomfortable that you didn't respond to messages», we give a person feedback about their behavior and their impact on us.
Why feedback is so important
Personally, for me, the discovery of the power of feedback was like someone finally turned on the light. We all want to grow, be better – but how to do it if we don't know what we're doing wrong? Feedback gives us this information.
Of course, getting feedback – isn't always nice. Especially if it's not very gently worded. But here everything depends on the form of submission. Nice feedback – is not «You ruined everything», but «I think it could have been done differently here. How do you look at it?».
And it is also important to be able not only receive, and give feedback. It requires respect, empathy and a desire to help rather than offend. By the way, even say «I really liked how you did it!» – is also feedback. And it is sometimes more valuable than any criticism.
So, feedback – is not just a buzzword from English. It's a tool for growth, self-reflection and building healthy communication. He teaches us to be open to change, to hear each other and to grow together. And I sincerely believe that the more we speak honestly and respectfully, the healthier our society will be.
Because feedback – is not about «exposing errors». It's about become better together.
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