All feedback is projection. This is not a question, but a statement made by one of my coaching mentors (professor in the GICC program). It is an underlying Gestalt principle. It tickled my brain…
So what are you thinking? Because how you respond to this question may say something about you.
ChangeLeadership1 
When I understood this concept, I was transformed.
I just think of the pointing figure to someone else and there are 3 pointing back at you. I think if you are aware this makes total sense. Thanks for the reminder 😉
Such a helpful image. Thanks Lynne…(-
True, and so good to remember when we provide feedback. Valuable feedback generates from wisdom; less valuable from fear. I aim to project the former.
Oh good point…wisdom versus fear.
Intriguing… I knew a man that often said – discernment comes from experience. Similar concept I think. The important issue for me was to realize my experience, my knowledge, my being and values all inform and form what I perceive. Feedback to me is very valuable for its outside view…..( Bea thinking of Deming… knowledge comes from the outside :-)) – not because the outside has “the answer” – but because it provides alternative views and is not influenced by only my perception. The value of coaching I think…. out side view!
Yes it is….and I’m reminded of how the energy of resistance…which is a form of rejecting the outside view…plays into coaching. Humm…thanks for your perspective Ginna.
I meant to tell you …one of my coaching professors was Deming’s assistant.
Can one separate oneself from the whole without effect? As an observer I am a part of the experiment, inextricably linked. Feedback cannot exist ‘alone’, it requires something other than ‘itself’ to exist. I don’t see how one could argue against feedback as projection.
“as an observer I am a part of the experiment” – I’m stealing this….just so you know. Thanks. (-
When someone gives me feedback, that is what tends to be on my mind for improvement. Sometimes I have to stop and think if their feedback is helpful or if it is distracting me from meeting my goals. Words are powerful and feedback should not be given without thought as to how it will benefit you and others.