Feedback

At Level 1, you're starting to understand that feedback is part of your job, not just something that happens in performance reviews. You may be new to giving or receiving feedback in a professional context, and that's okay. This level is about developing openness, curiosity, and basic skills. You may not yet feel confident offering suggestions or critique, but you're learning to listen well, receive feedback without defensiveness, and ask for input when you're unsure.

Key Behaviors

  • Listens to feedback without becoming defensive
  • Thanks others for feedback, even when it's hard to hear
  • Incorporates simple suggestions into future work
  • Asks for clarification when feedback is unclear
  • Begins to ask for feedback on work or behavior

Common Struggles

  • May take feedback personally or shut down emotionally
  • Unsure when or how to ask for feedback
  • Hesitates to offer feedback, even when prompted
  • Over-focuses on praise and avoids critique

Success Indicators

You know you're successful when you:

  • Show openness and a willingness to learn from feedback
  • Act on constructive input in your day-to-day work
  • Ask for feedback when uncertain or seeking improvement
  • Begin to see feedback as a tool for growth, not judgment

Mindset Shift

From:

"Feedback is scary or personal."

To:

"Feedback helps me get better and build trust."

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What can I learn from this, even if it's hard to hear?
  • Who do I trust to give me honest input?
  • When have I grown because of someone's feedback?

Build These Habits

  • 1
    Ask for feedback on specific aspects of your work (e.g. code quality, communication)
  • 2
    Reflect before reacting to feedback
  • 3
    Write down recurring themes or suggestions to track your growth
  • 4
    Say thank you when someone offers feedback—even if you disagree

Seek Feedback

  • "What's one thing I could do better next time?"
  • "Was I clear in that message or review?"
  • "Do you have any suggestions for how I could improve this?"

Signals You're Ready to Level Up

  • You invite feedback regularly and with specific questions
  • You respond with maturity, curiosity, and follow-through
  • Others feel safe giving you honest input

Focus Summary

  • Listen fully
  • Ask often
  • Grow intentionally

At Level 1, feedback becomes something you engage with—not avoid. You build the muscle of receiving input well, and that's the foundation for everything that follows.