Asking for feedback at work is an essential part of your career. Your career can’t grow unless you know what you need to work on. Here’s how to ask for feedback at work.
I used to look at feedback as a double edged sword – yes it gives you important information for things to work on but it also calls attention to any deficiencies that you have in front of your boss. Quickly I realized that was bullsh*t. Your boss already knows your flaws and if you don’t ask for help and show an attitude of wanting to improve then all the ever see is your flaws.
For those still a little more cynical about asking for feedback – your boss won’t promote you unless they believe you want their advice and feedback.
Asking for Feedback at Work
Make sure you set up a time to discuss with your supervisor. Stay away from just ringing them up or walking in their office. They need time to compose a list and to think about your performance. Also, I’d really hate to hear the off the cuff statements that start with “ummm I guess you kinda suck at…”
Think ahead of time what you would like feedback on and communicate the specific interest to your supervisor. Ideas for this are: performance on a recent event/project, opportunities to explore, core competencies, or a meeting you lead. Focusing this 1:1 to one or two of these areas gives you and your supervisor a chance to go in depth.
Make sure you take notes and follow up a day or so later with an email. Not only is this important for you to keep track of things you can work on it also shows your boss you were listening. This might be the CYA part of my life coming out but it also a way for you to document this feedback in case you ever need it down the line. Don’t cc anyone else unless specifically directed but if you email it then there’s documentation of the meeting.
Now it’s time to show your boss you’re taking their advice to heart and putting that feedback into action. Jump at chances to use their feedback in your work. Set a time to accomplish or apply these examples by – one month, two? Then evaluate yourself when that time is up and create your own critiques. Then it’s time to start the process over and do it again!
Taking constructive criticism isn’t always easy but remember it’s not personal! If it is personal you might need to evaluate if you are in a toxic work environment.
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