An e-mail newsletter for people who train staff who
serve people with developmental disabilities.

Accepting Feedback Gracefully

Connie Horn
Education Specialist
Ask Connie a Question

Let’s face it, getting up in front of people and speaking is stressful, but have you ever felt sick to your stomach worrying about the feedback you might receive after the presentation? 

We all find ourselves on the receiving end of both positive and negative feedback from time to time. Most of us can handle the positive feedback; it is the negative feedback we struggle with. It is human nature to be sensitive and become defensive when someone tells us we are not right or have not done well.

1. Listen to the person. Everyone makes mistakes, and we can all use improvement. Keep an open mind and resist the temptation to argue or make excuses.
2. Consider the source. Does the person have an ulterior motive for giving you this feedback? Be careful not to invent one just to make yourself feel better.
3. Ask for specific examples. Don’t accept comments such as “poor,” or “disappointing.” Ask the person to tell you exactly what they felt was wrong with the presentation.
4. Evaluate the feedback. If the feedback is valid, accept it gracefully and with a positive attitude. Tell the person you appreciate their comments. Be enthusiastic about your willingness and ability to use the suggestion to improve your performance.
5. Keep the useful information, but let go of the negative feelings. Don’t dwell on the embarrassment of the negative feedback. Hold your head up high and move on.

Once you have learned to handle negative feedback gracefully, you can take what is said and apply the criticism and suggestions to make what you are doing more efficient and to help you produce a better product.

Connie Horn, Education Specialist
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
About Connie | Ask Connie a Question

Share your training opinions with other SIDELINES readers.

Vote in this issue’s reader survey.

Last issue’s survey

How well is your agency doing in implementing person centered planning?

We are doing well. The people we support are choosing their life dreams, and we are helping them reach it.	6%
We are on our way. The people we support are identifying their dreams, and we are trying to support them when we can.	56%
We are starting the process. The people we support and staff are learning about PCP and trying to do it with the daily choices being made.	25%
We have not begun.	13%

More Reader Surveys

Save on Staff Development Videos from Bethesda's NCRC!

Bethesda is having a “Buy 5–Get 1 Free” sale on all staff development videos. For every five titles (VHS or DVD) purchased at the regular price, you can select a sixth title free!

There’s no limit! Buy 10; get two free. Buy 15; get three free. Please note that the free item(s) will be the lowest priced videos on your order. This offer does not apply to Independent Study Modules.

To redeem this offer, visit Bethesda's online Staff Development Catalog and enter 5GETS6 at checkout. You can also call 800.369.4636, ext. 3541; fax 920.262.6513; or e-mail ncrc@blhs.org and mention code 5GETS6. Offer expires July 31, 2007.

Shop Bethesda's Staff Development Catalog

Bethesda remains steadfast in its efforts to provide you with new and updated staff development video titles. Shop Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog

Balancing Choice and Risk

In the field of developmental disabilities, everyone is discussing the importance of empowering the people we support to make choices and decisions that establish the life they desire. However, we are also required to ensure their health and safety. So, how do you balance a person's choices with the potential risks? VHS or DVD (31 min.).

Learn more and view a preview of
Balancing Choice and Risk

Top

Six Newest Titles

Priced at just $25 per title, Bethesda’s Independent Study Modules offer an affordable and convenient method for staff training. Check out our newest titles and the 30-volume set:

• Adults with Autism
• Community Integration
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Fostering Self-Determination
• Interviewing: Knowing the People You Support
• Women: Aging and Health

Independent Study Module 30-volume Set
Individual titles from Bethesda’s collection of Independent Study Modules cost $25 each; however, you may now purchase all of our titles in an 30-volume set for $625. That’s a $125 savings!

What are Independent Study Modules?

They are paper-based training materials that are presented in an easy-to-read, self-paced format. These workbooks are convenient for late-night or weekend-shift staff and are a ready reference for veteran staff. Interactive activities and competency testing help staff retain the information. Plus, the workbooks are conveniently packaged for storage in your filing cabinet or 3-ring binder.

What do Independent Study Modules include?

• Study manual
• Worksheet and answer key
• Competency measure and answer key
• Engaging activities for both individuals and small groups
• Permission to make as many copies as your agency needs

Shop Bethesda's Staff Development Catalog

Would you like a chance to win a FREE single video of your choice? Enter our drawing by sending an e-mail to ncrc@blhs.org with the words "SIDELINES entry" in the subject line. Entries will be accepted until July 13, 2007. Bethesda will then randomly select a winner from the e-mails received.*

We will notify the winner via e-mail. If you receive an e-mail from us, respond within one week and a video of your choice from Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog is free! Remember to add us to your address book to prevent spam-filters from blocking us.

Last issue’s winner was Nelda Tesar from Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, Iowa. Nelda selected “Making Sense of Standard Precautions” as her free video.

Help Your Friends Out
Do you have friends who would be interested in receiving SIDELINES? Just forward a copy of this e-mail to them. All they have to do is use the information at the end of this e-mail to subscribe.

*E-mail privacy policy

Bethesda’s Develop Your Staff Section
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/

Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/catalog/
New Video Release
- Balancing Choice and Risk
New Independent Study Modules
- Adults with Autism
- Community Integration
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Fostering Self-Determination
- Interviewing: Knowing the People You Support
- Women: Aging and Health
- Independent Study Module 30-volume Set

SIDELINES Home
Browse previous issues.
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/sidelines/

SIDELINES Mail Bag
Vote in our survey!
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/sidelines/mailBag/

About us

Your comments are encouraged.
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
Attn: National Christian Resource Center (NCRC)
600 Hoffmann Dr.
Watertown, WI 53094

ncrc@blhs.org
800.369.4636, ext. 4449
920.262.6513 (fax)
www.blhs.org

If this e-mail has been forwarded to you and you would like to receive future editions of SIDELINES, visit http://www.blhs.org/e/go.asp?sm=sidelines to sign up.

To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to providers-unsubscribe@blhs.org. You will receive a confirmation e-mail. Reply to the e-mail to remove yourself from the active subscriber list.
Top

© 2007 Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.