What is Feedback?
Feedback is asking for an honest evaluation from someone that you trust to guide, mentor, and provide transparent advice on where you can improve. This can be for a small project, an idea that you want to pitch, to “how can I become better in my role?” It can be an intimidating task to reach out for feedback and this article will help you understand the benefits and tips on how to ask for it!
Why is feedback important?
Feedback in the workplace is critical to continual improvement and self-awareness of your professional image to others. The ability to humble yourself in order to commit to receiving feedback shows your dedication to the team and personal leadership development. Feedback allows you to gain insight on areas to improve upon or professional guidance.
Benefits of getting Regular Feedback
By making a habit of asking for regular feedback, you allow yourself to build your career confidence. Below are some benefits that outweigh the fear of asking for feedback:
Improve your Performance
Asking for feedback will allow you to make alterations to a project to improve your work performance. When seeking feedback from a manager that will “evaluate” you, it can provide you with the opportunity to change based on feedback.
Develops Open Dialogue
Being vulnerable and asking for feedback will create an open dialogue and create a better team dynamic. Creating an open dialogue will allow your peers and managers to come to you when they need your expertise and vice versa. An aligned work culture can develop that values transparency and constructive feedback. Furthermore, it can create a culture where ideas and feedback can freely flow without fear.
Learn about unwritten rules
Connecting with others and asking for feedback allows you the opportunity to learn from their work experience. You might get insider tips and learn about unwritten rules that will set you apart and help you reach your goals. For example, I remember when I was interviewing for a job and I asked a mentor for some feedback on a presentation for the hiring committee. She informed me that I should bring a portfolio of work created and event flyers to show my talents beyond the interview. This was something that I didn’t think of doing, or thought I was allowed to do! Now, I remember this tip and many other unwritten rules and advice to help me with my career journey.
Who should I get feedback from?
I think it’s important to note that you should be selective about who you are asking for feedback. You want to reach out to those that can add value to the topic or where their skills can review your trouble areas. For example, if you are naturally creative and you know that you don’t have the best grammar, reach out to someone that does well in that area for feedback on a project before submitting it.
How to Ask for Feedback from a Manager
It is critical to request feedback from your manager for career success. This will allow you to build a transparent dialogue that builds trust and shows that you respect their expertise. Building space and time to receive feedback from supervisors or mentors ensures that you continue to make it a practice.
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I understand that opening yourself up for evaluation can be overwhelming and it can be hard to get the courage to put yourself out there for the feedback! Especially when you don’t want to seem like you “don’t know what you are doing” to your manager. But no worries, this article will help you identify tips on how to ask for feedback in the workplace!
Before you ask for feedback, you should reflect on areas that you wish to improve. Use this tool to help guide your conversation on performance and feedback: Download the Asking for Feedback Worksheet Here
Here are some tips on how to ask for feedback on performance:
Find an appropriate time to ask.
When is the best time to speak with your manager? Are they morning people? Or is it best to approach them after they’ve had their coffee?
Schedule a time to meet.
Understand their schedule and if they are busy then make time to plan it out two weeks or even a month in advance. Try to accommodate your availability if needed, since the feedback is beneficial to your career growth.
Prepare questions to ask.
Be intentional with your scheduled time. What are key areas that their expertise will offer insight into? Make sure to get to the point and use your time wisely.
Take notes.
Be prepared to take notes and actively listen during this meeting. As much as you might want to take over the conversation and respond to the feedback, this is a time to take notes!
Learn how to improve from the feedback.
This is probably the hardest part. You have to take the feedback constructively and see how you can improve after the feedback. Even if you are having a hard time understanding how to improve, ask “Can you elaborate on some ways that I can ....?”
Say thank you.
Acknowledge that they have taken the time to invest in your professional and personal growth. Thank them for their time and support to your development.
Ask for feedback regularly.
Schedule something once a month, or once a quarter to continue the habit of checking in and seeking feedback and evaluation for growth.
I hope that these tips will help you build your confidence in seeking feedback from your colleagues and manager. This is a great habit for career advancement and looking forward to hearing about your personal stories.
For more information on private career confidence coaching, please visit:
Live your worth,
Cindy Alvarez
Career Confidence Coach
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