Feedback issue

While conversing with my SIG the issue of feedback came up as I informed them that as a coach I'm required to deliver it to the athletes I reject so they can work on their weaknesses to keep improving.

Would this help performers deal with rejection better?

The answer to a survey question of mine came back with a resounding positive to the fact that performers think if they reach the finals of an audition they should receive feedback as to why they didn't get the job.

It has both pros and cons.

"What if they said it was because of your hair colour? You'd say...I can dye it. I don't think that would make it easier to accept. It would probably make it worse." (Friend 1)

"Equally if you were told you didn't get it because someone was better than you on the day, how is that going to help? Only if you tried your best and failed would that be a positive. Likewise if they said they just preferred the look of someone else, would it make it easier to take? Who knows? That would depend on the individual." (Friend 2)

There are endless ways of looking at this particular issue. One persons yes would be another persons no.

Personally I cannot see it working in a positive manner as it is too difficult to police.

It becomes fine margins when dealing with professional performers. If you weren't suited for the show in a dance/singing/acting capability you probably wouldn't be at the final so to receive feedback detailing your dancing was off or someone was better  probably wouldn't help. Would you go away and work on it? Probably not....that's just how it was that day. Or maybe you would because you knew you weren't at your best....but that would make it your fault anyway which always make you feel bad so the feedback wouldn't help.

Put that into context with sports feedback where it is generally an issue of technique so feedback will always offer a way of improving. Only at the very top levels does psychology enter the fray becoming an issue. Looks and appearance don't come into the equation when sport is concerned so to link the two becomes difficult.