COACHING: WINDOW WITH A VIEW


April 2024

The Pennsylvania Key Coaching Team welcomes you to another edition of Coaching: Window with a View. We invite you to engage and respond to questions posed as well as sharing exciting and insightful resources that facilitate reflection and critical thinking.

The Key to Receiving Feedback 


Welcome to our April newsletter! This month, we delve into the crucial topic of receiving developmental feedback with an open mindset. As leaders and coaches, it's essential to recognize the transformative power of feedback and understand its role in fostering growth, both personally and professionally.


The Art of Receiving Feedback

Receiving feedback gracefully is an art form. It requires humility, openness, and a genuine desire to improve. As coaches, we often find ourselves navigating through sometimes uncomfortable terrain of giving and receiving feedback for self-awareness and growth.  


Why Does Feedback Matter?

Feedback serves as a mirror, reflecting blind spots, strengths, and areas for improvement. It provides valuable insights into how others perceive us and offers opportunities for learning and development. Embracing feedback cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and fosters stronger relationships within teams and organizations.


The Role of the Coach

As coaches, exploring our vulnerabilities, confronting challenges, and embracing growth opportunities with confidence helps us enter a space where we tend to be more receptive to receiving feedback.


Strategies for Receiving Feedback

  1. Active Listening: Approach feedback conversations with an open mind and a willingness to listen attentively. Focus on understanding the perspective being offered without immediately reacting or becoming defensive.
  2. Seek Clarification: If feedback is unclear or ambiguous, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Seek specific examples and insights to deepen your understanding and identify actionable steps for improvement.
  3. Reflect and Internalize: Take time to reflect on the feedback received. Consider how it aligns with your goals, values, and aspirations. Identify patterns or recurring themes to pinpoint areas where growth is needed.
  4. Express Gratitude: Express appreciation for the feedback provided, regardless of whether it's positive or constructive. Acknowledge the effort and thoughtfulness behind the input and demonstrate a genuine commitment to learning and development.


Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, embracing feedback with an open mindset is essential for personal and professional growth. As a coach, leader, helper…on a journey toward self-discovery and improvement, our willingness to embrace a culture of openness and continuous learning supports our understanding of feedback.


Thank you for joining us in this exploration of the importance of receiving developmental feedback. We look forward to continuing our journey together as we strive for excellence in leadership and coaching.


We hope you find this newsletter insightful and valuable in your leadership journey. If you have any questions or would like to explore this topic further, please don't hesitate to reach out.


Submitted by,


Rasheeda Coston, Director of Coaching rascos@pakeys.org   

Barb Willier, Coaching Coordinator, barwil@pakeys.org 

The Pennsylvania Key   


A portion of the content in this article was generated with the assistance of AI technology. While the AI system has contributed to the writing process, the final output has been reviewed and edited by human editors to ensure accuracy and quality.

Coaching values the knowledge, skills and desired goals of the early childhood education
professional and supports them in moving towards sustainable change.
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning is committed to
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The title of this newsletter, Coaching: Window with a View, reflects how only a small slice--or window-- of a perspective or viewpoint is necessary to make an impact in the process of coaching. This monthly newsletter is where you can find information, research, articles and perspectives to support engagement and continued development of the coaching mindset. 

For additional information about coaching, visit the Pennsylvania Keys website.
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