On my computer screen right now is the outline of the Ayurveda Micro Habits program that I ran earlier this year. And beside my computer are the Feedback Forms that my students completed after the course.
In October, I’m relaunching the Micro Habits program, and my first order of business is to take a clear-eyed look at the feedback. After all, feedback is a gift, for how can we hope to evolve if we don’t see where we need to improve?
I’m a terrific feedback-giver (insert pat on the back here). I honed my skills in the early 2000’s whilst on the certification committee for Anusara Yoga. My role was to watch and assess video submissions from new teachers to determine whether their classes met the criteria for them to become Certified Teachers. Acting in this role taught me that giving and receiving feedback is like a muscle we need to train.
My Golden Rule when giving feedback:
Start with expressing the strongpoints.
This sets the tone for establishing trust and lets them know you’re on their side.
My Golden Rule when receiving feedback:
When feedback is clear, immediate, and concrete, I learn quickly.
When feedback is abstract, delayed, and opaque, I rarely learn.
As the recipient, I am so grateful for constructive feedback.
This notion of Brutal Honesty is horse crap. Honesty doesn’t have to be brutal.
A real cringe moment for me is when I take my own yoga class.
I force myself to do this every month, and it’s a painful proposition as I try to be as kind to myself as I am when I’m offering feedback to others.
On Wednesday, September 7, after taking a summer hiatus, I’ll be returning to the Livekick platform to offer my public classes (see dates and info below).
The inquiry I put to you is this: How can I serve you even better with my public classes? What would you like to see more of?
I’ve prepared a quick and easy, three-question feedback form if you’d be willing to help me evolve these live weekly offerings. It should take less than three minutes to complete.
CLICK HERE to complete the feedback form and contribute to my evolution as a teacher.
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