Supervisor feedback: love it, hate It, here’s how to handle it

Managing feedback from your PhD supervisor can often feel like walking a tightrope. It requires balancing between taking constructive criticism on board and maintaining your independence as a researcher.

Understanding the types of feedback you might receive, and how to handle each, can make this process smoother and more productive.

1. Direct or straightforward feedback

This is the ideal type of feedback—clear, specific, and actionable. Your supervisor might give you precise instructions, such as "Revise this section to include more recent studies" or "Reorganise the structure to improve the flow."

How to Respond: Follow the instructions provided! This type of feedback is usually the easiest to act upon. Simply make the necessary changes and move on.

Level - Easy. No guesswork needed—just do what is asked!

2. Vague or general feedback

Sometimes, feedback can be frustratingly vague. Phrases like "This needs more depth" or "Consider expanding" may leave you wondering exactly what your supervisor wants.

How to Respond: Don’t be afraid to seek clarification. Ask specific questions to pinpoint what needs to be addressed. For instance, you could say, "Could you clarify which sections need more depth?" This approach will save you time and ensure that your revisions meet their expectations.

Level - Medium. Requires a bit of detective work, but asking questions can lead to clearer guidance.

3. Suggestions

Suggestions are feedback without direct orders. You might hear something like, "You could consider another theoretical framework" or "Maybe add a case study."

How to Respond: Evaluate the relevance and utility of the suggestions. If they make sense and add value to your work, implement them. If not, you have the flexibility to leave them aside. Remember, these are just options, not mandates.

Level - Casual. You have the freedom to decide whether to act on these.

4. Unnecessary feedback

Occasionally, you might receive feedback that seems irrelevant to your current task or research goals. This could include suggestions that don't align with your research question or methodology.

How to Respond: Engage in a constructive discussion with your supervisor to negotiate a different approach or clarify the scope of your work. Be diplomatic but firm about why certain suggestions may not be applicable.

Level - Tricky. You’re entering "side quest" territory. Be cautious to avoid getting sidetracked!

5. Conflicting feedback

At times, you might receive feedback that contradicts previous instructions or clashes with other guidance. This can be one of the most challenging situations to manage.

How to Respond: Address the contradictions directly but politely. Arrange a meeting with your supervisor to clarify which direction they would prefer you to take. Highlight the conflicts, and ask for their input to resolve them.

Level - Nightmare! This requires careful handling to avoid confusion and frustration.

• Check out my PDF below on managing PhD supervision feedback:

Take home message

Not all feedback requires action—sometimes the key is knowing when to push back or seek further clarification. The ultimate goal is to strike the right balance between being receptive and standing your ground.

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