Beyond Feedback: Smarter Ways to Improve Creative Work

If you’re working on creative projects take a look at the excerpts below from Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things. Simple practical advice from organizational psychologist and author Adam Grant.

“Instead of seeking feedback, you’re better off asking for advice. Feedback tends to focus on how well you did last time, advice shifts attention to how you can do better next time. Rather than dwelling on what you did wrong, advice guides you to what you can do right. For every project that matters to you, form a judging committee. Don’t first ask for feedback or advice, ask for a score from 0 to 10. Set an aspirational goal and also set an acceptable result. But be careful about how much weight you put on other peoples scores. Your opinion matters most. Ask yourself if this was the only work people saw of mine, would I be proud of it?”

“It’s easy for people to be critics or cheerleaders, it’s harder to get them to be coaches. A critique sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself.