Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – "How to Get the Feedback You Need"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Help Wanted
• Host/Author: Money News Network
• Episode: How to Get the Feedback You Need
• Release Date: July 24, 2025

Hosts:

• Jason Pfeiffer: Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur
• Nicole Lapin: Money Expert

Introduction to Feedback Challenges

In the episode titled "How to Get the Feedback You Need," hosts Jason Pfeiffer and Nicole Lapin delve into the complexities of seeking and receiving feedback in professional and creative endeavors. They start by acknowledging the natural desire for feedback and the inherent challenges it presents, particularly the emotional vulnerability and defensiveness that can accompany critical assessments.

Kelly's Question: Navigating the Feedback Dilemma

The episode centers around a thoughtful question from a listener named Kelly Dwyer:

Jason Pfeiffer [02:00]: "I am a novelist working on my fourth novel. My husband and young adult daughter are both great readers and editors and I like to tell them plot and character ideas and get their feedback. However, sometimes it feels too early in the process. Emotionally, I might have an idea that they don't like, but I think they don't get it because I haven't figured it out clearly enough or articulated it well enough myself. So when is it too early to share ideas and brainstorm? Or is it okay?"

Kelly's predicament is not uncommon among creatives and professionals alike: balancing the need for constructive feedback with the fear of premature criticism that might stifle creativity or lead to misunderstanding.

The Feedback Formula: Right People + Right Time + Right Perspective

Jason introduces a structured approach to obtaining meaningful feedback, breaking it down into three essential components:

Jason Pfeiffer [03:20]: "The formula is right people plus right time plus right perspective."

1. Right People

Identifying the appropriate individuals to seek feedback from is crucial. Not all feedback is created equal, and the effectiveness of feedback depends heavily on the sources.

• Avoiding Confirmation Bias:

  Jason Pfeiffer [04:10]: "Nobody truly seeks advice. They just seek confirmation. In other words, when we ask someone for advice, we are subconsciously selecting them because we know what they're going to say."

  This highlights the tendency to seek out affirming feedback rather than critical, growth-oriented input. To overcome this, it's important to choose individuals who are willing to provide honest and constructive criticism, even if it challenges your initial ideas.

• Balancing Support and Critique:

  Jason Pfeiffer [05:00]: "When you seek feedback, be aware of this. Pick someone who will be useful, not just affirming."

  Drawing from his personal experience, Jason recounts how relying solely on supportive feedback from a partner didn't contribute to his growth as a writer. This underscores the necessity of finding a balance between supporters and critics to foster development.

2. Right Time

Timing plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of feedback. Sharing ideas too early or too late can have unintended consequences.

• Defining Feedback Roles:

  Jason Pfeiffer [06:30]: "When you ask someone for feedback, you're really asking them to play one of three roles: collaborator, reactor, or refiner."

  • Collaborator (Early Stage): Actively helps shape and develop new ideas.
  • Reactor (Middle Stage): Assesses whether the ideas are working.
  • Refiner (Late Stage): Makes final tweaks and adjustments.

By assigning specific roles to different individuals based on the stage of the project, one can ensure that feedback is timely and relevant.

• Setting Expectations:

  Jason Pfeiffer [07:45]: "Tell them, this is the stage of the process that I'm in, and this is very specifically what I need you to do."

  Clear communication about the desired type of feedback helps in receiving the most beneficial input, reducing the emotional strain often associated with criticism.

3. Right Perspective

Understanding and articulating your vision is essential for receiving feedback that aligns with your goals.

• Aligning Feedback with Vision:

  Jason Pfeiffer [08:30]: "Find someone who can see things from your point of view. Their job is not to impose their vision on your thing. It is to understand your vision and then help you accomplish it."

  Jason shares a personal anecdote about editing his wife's novel, emphasizing the importance of aligning feedback with the creator's intended direction rather than imposing external viewpoints.

• Fostering a Collaborative Dialogue:

  Jason Pfeiffer [09:00]: "Talk with them, ask questions, create a dialogue."

  Engaging in open communication ensures that feedback is not only received but also thoroughly understood and effectively integrated into the project.

Application of the Feedback Formula

Jason illustrates the practical application of the feedback formula through his experiences:

• Collaborator: Worked closely with his editor during the initial stages of his book, focusing on whether the foundational elements were effective.
• Refiner: Later, he enlisted friends to fine-tune specific aspects, ensuring that the final product was polished and cohesive.

This structured approach ensures that feedback is both comprehensive and constructive, facilitating continuous improvement throughout the project's lifecycle.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Feedback

In wrapping up the discussion, Jason reiterates the importance of the three pillars—right people, right time, and right perspective—in securing valuable feedback. He emphasizes that while seeking feedback involves inviting others into your creative or professional process, the ultimate responsibility for success lies with you.

Jason Pfeiffer [09:30]: "Success really comes down to you. It's the great irony of asking for feedback. You're asking for someone else's help, but they're really only helpful if you are helpful first."

By taking control of the feedback process and setting clear expectations, individuals can create a supportive environment that fosters growth, resilience, and ultimately, success.

Final Thoughts

"How to Get the Feedback You Need" offers a comprehensive framework for navigating the often daunting landscape of feedback. By focusing on the quality and timing of feedback sources, as well as aligning feedback with personal or project-specific visions, listeners are equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their work and career endeavors.

For more insights and personalized advice, listeners are encouraged to reach out via helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com or follow Money News Network on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive content.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Pfeiffer [04:10]: "Nobody truly seeks advice. They just seek confirmation."
• Jason Pfeiffer [05:00]: "When you seek feedback, be aware of this. Pick someone who will be useful, not just affirming."
• Jason Pfeiffer [07:45]: "Tell them, this is the stage of the process that I'm in, and this is very specifically what I need you to do."
• Jason Pfeiffer [08:30]: "Find someone who can see things from your point of view. Their job is not to impose their vision on your thing. It is to understand your vision and then help you accomplish it."
• Jason Pfeiffer [09:30]: "Success really comes down to you. It's the great irony of asking for feedback. You're asking for someone else's help, but they're really only helpful if you are helpful first."

Contact Information:

• Email: helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com
• Social Media: Follow Money News Network on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive content.