Life is a contact sport – Reflections on Let's talk about IT

Exactly one year has passed since I stepped out from behind the screen and started playing the game called live networking.

Since then, I've been to Let's talk about IT 4 times. Each of these trips taught me something different, delivered completely new emotions, and the panels resulted in fresh knowledge.

But there is one common denominator that connects each of these events: conversations, new acquaintances, strengthening relationships, lots of laughter, and good fun. This time, the main character of the evening was feedback.

Feedback – a development game changer

• Two sides of the coin: Feedback consists of two parts – the message and the emotions. Both are equally important, and ignoring the emotional layer can completely block the absorption of substantive content.
• Protecting the relationship: Good feedback doesn't ruin a relationship – on the contrary, it results in a constructive change in behavior because we point to a specific situation that needs improvement, rather than attacking the person.
• When information does harm: Feedback becomes destructive when what we say brings no real results or when it directly lowers the recipient's psychological comfort.
• Facts versus opinions: How to distinguish feedback from mere criticism? Rely exclusively on facts and objective criteria, utilizing excellent and proven methods, such as the FUKO model.
• Managing emotions: Do not give feedback when experiencing strong emotions (anger) or when the recipient is in a high state of emotional distress and is simply not ready to receive it.
• The human factor: A lot depends on the individual – everyone receives feedback differently. Life is a contact sport, which is why self-regulation is so crucial in this process.

Key insights from the discussion panel:

• Action over words: Feedback alone changes nothing... Only the decision, conscious change, and real action based on it lead to true transformation.
• Readiness for change: Accepting feedback requires maturity. Without the intention to implement improvements, gathering opinions from others becomes nothing more than an empty process.
• An environment of trust: The better and more nurtured the relationship in the team or at home, the more effectively and calmly we accept difficult messages. The key to avoiding conflict here is deep self-reflection.
• The main thought of the evening: The maxim that 'life is a contact sport', where self-regulation determines success, is an absolute TOP takeaway and the most important summary of the entire panel for me.

The panel was incredibly insightful, followed by what always gives me immense joy – long, laughter-filled, dynamic networking with old friends and completely new faces!