Career Guide US 2019

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by Erika Osmundson, Director of Marketing & Communications
YOU’VE JUST RECEIVED a piece of
critical feedback and aren’t sure how
to move forward. Obviously hearing
that you’ve done something wrong or
displeasing to someone else is hard to
handle (for most people). Some can let
negative feedback roll right off their
backs, but for those that can’t, how do
you make positive steps forward?
First, do you have a true and accurate
understanding of what the feedback
means? Critical feedback can come in
heated discussions or moments of
heightened emotion. Facts might not
always be straight. We can tell ourselves
stories in our heads to increase the
magnitude.
Take a moment to reflect on the
things that were shared. You may need to
step away from the discussion for a bit,
but don’t wait too long, or the situation
can fester. Ask yourself if you fully
understand what was discussed. If not,
what are the points that you are unsure
of and need more explanation? Ask
questions. Have a candid conversation to
clear up any misinformation. Most often,
feedback is really about the result not the
person. Identifying this, if it is the case,
can help to tame personal emotion and
reaction to critical feedback.
Once you know what the issue is,
identify if and in what ways you can
address the situation in the future. Create
a game plan and follow through. If you
are unsure if or how to make steps to
correct the situation, brainstorm some
ideas or alternate options. Then propose
those back to the person that provided
the feedback and ask for input.
Finally, reflect. What did you learn?
How will you use that information to
make changes next time? What did you
learn in the feedback communication
process? How will you implement what
you’ve learned for the future?
Critical feedback that is constructive
and for the betterment of the situation/
business is one thing. Unconstructive
feedback is another. Understand the
difference. If feedback seems personally
attacking or demeaning, you may need to
consider your options. In extreme cases,
consult with your HR team for advice.
Feedback should be a good thing,
both positive and critical. It is what helps
us grow. It helps us move beyond our
norms and try new things. Feedback
creates the change we need to drive
business forward! AG
33 Ag & Food CAreer guide
MY BIGGEST HOPE is that you never
have a reason to put the tips in this
article to use! Ideally intern managers
will be selected because of their
competence, supervisory experience
and ability to structure (and deliver) a
meaningful intern program. The impact a
manager has on an intern can either make
or break the experience. Fortunately, 77%
of respondents to our 2018 Internship
Benchmark Survey, rated their
supervisor as above average. However,
5% did not have the same experience and
rated their supervisor as below average. If
you find yourself in a similar boat how do
you handle a poor manager?
Seek out other professional mentors in
the organization. Find opportunities to
connect with other full-time employees
that you could learn from. This may be
in an official capacity through assigned
project work, or you may invite them to
lunch or coffee.
Don’t let it affect your work. It’s
important that you still work hard and
treat others with respect. Other leaders
in the company will appreciate your
commitment to your role.
Do not bad mouth your manager… even
if you have plenty of reason to do so and
even if everyone else is doing it. Maintain
professionalism by taking the high road.
The exception to this rule is if you or
others have been verbally or
physically harassed, in which case talk
to your Human Resources office
immediately.
Find out what makes them tick.
This may take some time and keen
observation, but analyze what your boss
responds best to, what time of day they
are most approachable, and even what
their personal interests are. Utilize this
knowledge when approaching them.
While a poor manager can make you
feel like you didn’t learn anything during
your internship, it does in fact teach you
a very valuable lesson. It teaches you
how not to treat others or behave in the
workplace, and your future coworkers
will appreciate your perspective! AG
by Kristi Sproul, Education & Marketing Specialist
QUICK READS
dealing with feedback critical
tips for handling a poor intern manager