Let me start this blog with a bit of a story (just bear with me here)…… A few years ago we were on holiday with some friends who had a young son and to keep him occupied they had brought along a kit for him to make bracelets. One quiet afternoon he decided to make everyone a friendship bracelet. He spent ages selecting the materials, choosing the design and then making each one. He then took great pride and pleasure in giving each of us our own individual bracelets. Whilst it was a lovely idea, with lots of thought, care and attention going into the making of it, the skills didn’t quite match up to the intention and well… it wasn’t the best bracelet that I have ever seen. However the thought behind it was wonderful and meant a lot to me. Here was someone who had taken the time effort and trouble to make and give me something. In fact, it meant so much to me that I still have it, although it now adorns the gear lever in my car, yet I often think about who made it and where we were at the time whenever I look at it.

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In my view feedback is like my bracelet -the person giving the feedback will have spent time, energy and given some thought to the feedback they want to give you and will why they want to give it to you. It is my belief that very few people set out with the intention of upsetting others and it is therefore likely that they will also have your interests at heart, especially if they know you well and care about you as a friend and / or colleague.

‘ » Read more: Feedback; It’s a gift, you choose what to do with it…….