Review of Receptive and Ready

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Receptive and Ready" by Artell Smith and Betsy Hagan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: Receptive and Ready
Authors: Betsy Hagan and Artell Smith

This relatively short book is concerned with the aspects of feedback and, in this case, how to receive it. It is written primarily for the corporate world, but many more people would benefit from reading it, such as students and teachers, artists and critics, and, in many ways, family members to family members. Feedback can be advice, criticism or praise, possible improvements, etc. The authors describe feedback as a growth accelerator.

The book opens with chapters on self-reflection and self-regulation. These aspects sound simple enough but can be challenging in practice. For example, some individuals state that 'what you see is what you get'. This restricts the loosening up and absorption of valuable feedback. A person must be receptive to growth. Self-regulation helps the individual to control themselves emotionally, etc.

We read about scarcity and abundance. These aspects reflect the way opportunities and ideas are seized and how abundance is the preferred trait. The book goes on to describe the different ways that feedback can be fully used and absorbed.

Of course, the feedback giver must know what they are doing. There are 'many examples of managers giving tactless and ill-considered feedback that hindered their team members' growth and caused regression. Because of this, feedback must be properly mastered, and there are other books concerned with this, such as Julie Zhuo's book The Making of a Manager.

I like the phrase: 'Emotional intelligence, active listening, and curiosity are three essential skillsets for effectively participating in feedback exchanges'.

The section about the STAR and WHY methods was interesting.

The book is nicely written, and the prose is easy to absorb. There are examples of cases throughout, and I enjoyed the tables and diagrams, which were refreshing interludes. This book will be helpful to both employees and employers alike. There is an uplifting tone, a sense of being able to improve oneself immeasurably with these simple steps, which can help in all aspects of life.

Because I enjoyed this book, found nothing to dislike, and found no errors, I will award it five out of five stars and recommend it to everyone.

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Receptive and Ready
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Pearl Flourish]

It’s great to see a book that focuses on the often-overlooked skill of receiving feedback. The emphasis on emotional intelligence and active listening makes it sound like a valuable read for anyone looking to grow, not just in the workplace but in life.

[George Bastem]

"Receptive and Ready" offers practical insights into how to effectively receive feedback and use it for personal growth. Its simple language, useful examples, and focus on emotional intelligence make it an easy yet valuable read for anyone looking to improve in both their professional and personal life.