How do you respond to constructive feedback?

Acknowledge the specific observation, ask for an example if you need one, and say what you will consider or try. You can thank someone for taking care with the feedback while keeping your decision about the proposed solution open.

Can I thank someone when I disagree?

Yes. Thank the time, the candour or the evidence. Explain the disagreement separately and accurately. Saying you have adopted a suggestion just to end the conversation creates confusion later.

How do I reply to positive feedback?

A short thank-you is enough. If useful, say which part of the work you enjoyed or acknowledge colleagues who contributed. You do not need to minimise the compliment or immediately offer something in return.

Recognition messages

Thank You for Your Feedback: 10 Work Messages

Acknowledge the observation before deciding what you will change. A thank-you does not have to promise agreement.

Show that you understood the point

“Thank you for noticing that the instructions assume too much. I’m adding a worked example before the next session.” The useful part is the link between the feedback and what happens next. All the messages below are illustrative; only mention a change if you made it.

A reply can also be as simple as “I need to think about that.” Feedback delivered unexpectedly may take time to process, particularly when the person giving it reports to you. Allow yourself that time without leaving them wondering whether you heard the concern.

Avoid turning appreciation into a debate

A long explanation of why you did something can bury the acknowledgement. If there is a factual misunderstanding, correct it clearly, then return to the observation you can use. For sensitive performance feedback, keep the conversation private.

When you want to recognise someone for speaking honestly, the candour guide offers examples of the behaviour itself. These messages focus on your response as the person receiving feedback.

10 messages you can send

Thank you for pointing out where the proposal became hard to follow. I’ve moved the decision we need to the first paragraph.
After a document review
Connects a precise observation to an actual revision.
I appreciate you telling me the handover felt rushed. I hadn’t noticed how little time I left for questions.
After difficult feedback
Acknowledges the other person’s experience without making an excuse.
Your example from Tuesday helped me understand what you meant. Thanks for being specific enough that I could work on it.
To a peer
Recognises the evidence behind the feedback.
Thanks for reading the draft so closely. Your question about the comparison group caught something I need to check before sending it.
On analytical feedback
Names the question and the next step without claiming a result prematurely.
I need a little time to think about that suggestion. Thank you for raising it with me directly.
When you are not ready to respond
Leaves space for thought without dismissing the feedback.
You were right about the meeting. I filled the silence before anyone else had time to answer. I’ll leave more room next time.
Manager to colleague
Accepts responsibility for an observable behaviour.
Thank you for flagging the confusing instructions. We tested your suggested wording this morning and people found the correct step.
After checking a suggestion
Reports a real check rather than declaring every suggestion a success.
I read your comments and kept the shorter introduction. I’ve explained my reasoning on the other point in the document. Thanks for the careful review.
When you partly disagree
Closes the loop without pretending to accept every change.
Thanks for noticing the improvement in my customer calls. It helps to know that slowing down the explanation is making a difference.
Receiving positive feedback
Identifies the behaviour to keep.
I appreciated how you raised that privately. It gave me the chance to listen and ask questions without trying to respond in front of the group.
On the way feedback was given
Thanks the setting without disclosing the sensitive subject.

What makes one land

Separate receiving feedback from agreeing with every recommendation.
If you promise a change, make it one you can actually make.
Avoid a public reply that exposes a private performance conversation.
Return with an update after trying a suggestion; the person who offered it should not have to chase you.

Questions people ask

How do you respond to constructive feedback?: Acknowledge the specific observation, ask for an example if you need one, and say what you will consider or try. You can thank someone for taking care with the feedback while keeping your decision about the proposed solution open.
Can I thank someone when I disagree?: Yes. Thank the time, the candour or the evidence. Explain the disagreement separately and accurately. Saying you have adopted a suggestion just to end the conversation creates confusion later.
How do I reply to positive feedback?: A short thank-you is enough. If useful, say which part of the work you enjoyed or acknowledge colleagues who contributed. You do not need to minimise the compliment or immediately offer something in return.