Theory
Feedback is a process in which the output of an action is returned or fed- back to
modify the next action. Feedback is considered as a reaction by the environment
towards an action. In fact feedback is information about a past behaviour, which
is delivered at present, so as to improve the behaviour in the future. In
communication, feedback is considered as a response by the receiver to the
message transmitted by the sender.
The type of feedback may be positive, negative, constructive, delayed, immediate,
complex and simple. However, we should consider utilizing the positive and
constructive feedbacks provided by people around.
The importance of feedback
1. Completes the process or loop of communication
2. Gathering of knowledge takes place.
3. Able to remove misunderstandings.
4. Helps in further proceeding with the communication.
5. The approach is democratic.
6. Helps in quick problem resolutions.
7. Helps in better understanding.
8. Brings about better coordination.
9. Builds better relationship.
10. Makes the communication effective.
11. Paves way for new idea generation.
12. Able to sense opinion, mood, bias, perspective etc.
By taking in feedback with a growth mindset, we will be able to improve our world.
Story
Meera was a passionate teacher in a city school. For her, teaching was not a job
— it was a mission. She loved her students like her own children, often staying
late to help the weaker ones.
Her classes were lively, filled with laughter and lessons that stretched beyond
textbooks. She believed she was doing everything right — until one afternoon, a
single letter shook her to the core.
It was written by Riya, a quiet, soft-spoken student who often sat in the last row. The letter was left anonymously on Meera’s desk, but Meera recognized the
handwriting immediately.
The note read:
“Dear Ma’am,
You are one of the best teachers in our school, and I respect you deeply. But
sometimes, when students make mistakes, you speak harshly without realizing
how much it hurts. I know you want us to do well, but your words sometimes
make me afraid to raise my hand in class. I wanted to tell you this because I care
— not to complain, but to help.”
Meera read it twice and then again.
Her first reaction was disbelief — how could this be? She had always thought her
firmness came from care. But as she sat quietly, the words began to echo in her
heart.
That evening, she couldn’t stop thinking about all the moments she might have
been too sharp, too impatient, too focused on perfection to see fear in her
students’ eyes.
Tears welled up as she realized — intention alone isn’t enough; awareness
completes it. The next morning, she began class differently.
“Before we start,” she said softly, “I want to thank one of you — I don’t know who
— for helping me see myself better.”
The students looked puzzled. Meera smiled.
“I’ve realized that a teacher learns not just by teaching, but by listening too.”That
day, her tone softened. Her pauses became longer, her feedback more personal,
more patient. She began ending every week with a small circle time — where
students could share what they liked, what they didn’t, and what could improve.
At first, it was awkward. But soon, the students started speaking up — about
small things, honest things, and human things and Meera listened, truly listened.
Months later, the classroom changed. It wasn’t just a place of learning anymore
— it became a place of growth. Students began supporting each other,
celebrating feedback instead of fearing it.
Years later, when Riya returned as a grown-up woman to visit her old school, she
found Meera still there — radiant, graceful, and wiser.“Do you remember that
letter?” Riya asked shyly.
Meera smiled, her eyes glistening.
“How could I forget? It didn’t just change how I teach, Riya — it changed who I
am.”Feedback is not a mirror to judge — it’s a window to grow.
The world improves not through perfection, but through reflection. When we
learn to give feedback with compassion and receive it with humility,
we begin to shape a culture where learning never stops — for anyone. True
growth doesn’t come from praise — it comes from perspective. Because every
voice that dares to speak truth, lights a candle in someone else’s darkness.
Activity
Write down three ways in which you would provide feedback to improve the
communication loop.
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Quote
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
– Bill Gates
Takeaways
1. Feedback is a process in which the output of an action is returned or fed-
back to modify the next action
2. By taking in feedback with a growth mindset, we will be able to improve
our world.