Being able to graciously accept positive feedback as much as the negative

I would’ve thought that I would be the absolute last person to be commended at work. First, I’m a full-time student and only work part-time – I feel as if my contributions wouldn’t really be significant because I only work a few hours. Second, I tend to work quietly in the background, so to be applauded for being curious, for seeking to understand different perspectives, for looking for new approaches, partnerships and solutions, and for continuously learning, was a surprise. I didn’t think anyone was ‘looking’, to be honest. I kept thinking to myself, is this a kind way of telling me that I am venturing too far into unknown territory? I tried to keep cool and remind myself that I also need to learn how to take a compliment, Curiosity is one of our work values and in a way, I guess this demonstrated that I was valued at work. Maybe it also supports my desire to be in a research field – you have to want to be continuously learning. Still, perhaps as a research student, maybe I keep expecting negative feedback, I need it after all. How am I going to improve my writing if I don’t have my supervisors sending me feedback on my drafts?

Still, I think it’s equally important to be able to graciously accept when positive feedback and praise is given. It’s still constructive feedback. It lets you know you are on the right path and that you should keep going. In as much as it is important to reflect on things you can improve on, it’s similarly vital to not only accept praise but to reflect on it. It’s not meant to inflate your ego, but instead help you to grow more authentically into the person you want to become. I think reflection also allows me to be grateful and recognise that any accomplishment is only possible because of the support received from others – whether it’s support from a family member who has allowed me to continue working, or a supervisor and a manager who encourages professional development and so on.

I can live for two months on a good compliment.Mark Twain