Significant Career Lesson From A Partnerships Team Lead At Okendo
Adena, a Partnerships Team Lead at Okendo, learned to embrace feedback as a crucial tool for professional growth, transforming from someone who took criticism personally ("I would really take that to heart and be like, oh my God, I'm not good at my job") to proactively seeking both positive and constructive feedback weekly from their manager. This shift demonstrates the value of actively soliciting feedback for continuous improvement and development in both professional and personal spheres.
Communication, Feedback, Career Development, Leadership, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Adena Merabi
Partnerships Team Lead
Okendo
UCSB
UCLA
International Relations & Affairs
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Adena emphasizes the importance of receiving and actively seeking feedback for professional growth. She highlights how initially taking feedback personally hindered her development, but she learned to view it as a tool for improvement and skill development.
2. She advocates for regularly soliciting feedback from managers and others, suggesting a weekly check-in as a beneficial practice.
3. Adena encourages seeking both constructive criticism and positive reinforcement to gain a well-rounded understanding of performance and areas for growth, promoting a growth mindset in professional development
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson that has proven significant is to take feedback. I used to take feedback very personally.
For example, when told I wasn't hitting my numbers or wasn't doing well, I would internalize it. I'd think, "Oh my god, I'm not good at my job. This isn't the role for me."
Over time, I've learned that feedback is a valuable tool. When given appropriately, it can help you develop necessary skills or realize areas where you need help to achieve your goals.
This applies to all aspects of life, even friendships. Ask for feedback: "How can I be a better friend? How can I show up for you?" These are important skills to have.
Now, I ask for feedback from my manager almost weekly. I ask if there's anything she'd like to see me doing, or if she has any feedback on how a webinar or presentation went.
I'm always seeking feedback so I can grow and improve in my role. Don't be afraid of feedback.
Also, don't just ask for negative feedback. If you need positive reinforcement, ask for that too. "What am I doing right? Are there any areas you see me excelling in?" There's no problem with asking for both.
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