S3E5: Career Conversations: The Gift of Feedback with Dr. Adam Sumner

On this episode, Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Adam Sumner a staff psychologist with the VISN 23 Clinical Resource Hub focusing on outpatient mental health in a rural setting. Dr. Sumner’s path to becoming a psychologist led through a variety of settings including community mental health, higher education, and now the VA for almost 7 years. He enjoys working in rural communities, health psychology, and the opportunity to serve Veterans. He also loves getting up way too early to go running, trying to stay upright on a gravel bike, watching the never-ending soap opera of English soccer, and coaching youth sports. Listen in for a discussion on the importance of juggling how to give, receive, and seek feedback to improve workplace relations and engagement.

Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S3E5.pdf ===============================

Key Lessons:

1. Don’t expect to be an expert when it comes to giving, receiving, and seeking feedback – but do it anyway!
2. Lean into embracing the surprise-mind and allow yourself to be open, curious, and authentic in your reactions to feedback.
3. Use the 5:1 ratio – remember positive feedback and feedback focused on continuing behaviors is essential to behavior change and alignment.

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