Thriving Through Feedback on Written Work

One crucial lesson from my first news writing course during my undergraduate journalism program has stayed with me. On the very first day, our professor said, “All of you who were straight-A students, be prepared to see something other than an A on your first assignment. We’re going to push you to be the best you can be. Remember, the redlines you see are a critique of your work, not a reflection on you. You are not your work.” That line has always resonated with me.

Journalism school teaches you to develop thick skin when it comes to your work. Your pieces become less precious because editors will dissect them. In publishing, I've had pieces come back, and the only thing recognizable was my name. Yet, it's a valuable lesson: edits aren’t about you; they're about the work. You are not your work.

This lesson is applicable in the world of internal communication. If you’re navigating feedback on your written work, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Write for your audience, not your approver
  Be realistic about your audience's expectations and coach your approvers to do the same. Understanding your audience's routines and behavior patterns is crucial. Advocate for your audience and use performance metrics to explain to approvers why one approach is better than another.
  

• Pick your battles
  In a back-and-forth with an approver, be strategic. If a particular sentence won't create organizational risk but doesn't align with internal standards, consider if the fight is worth the effort. Save your energy for more important discussions.
  

• Be confident in your expertise
  As a communication professional, you possess years of education, training, and professional expertise. You know how to reach audiences with the right message at the right time and in the right way. Trust in your abilities.

The bottom line is, don’t let edits, feedback, or feedforward rattle you. Learn what you can from it and leave behind what doesn’t serve you.