How to Get Useful Feedback

Why Is Feedback Important?

We all need feedback to become more effective. Your personal feedback process actually began shortly after you were born: when you cried, someone showed up to help, which taught you that crying worked! But as you grew older, you undoubtedly got feedback that crying was no longer effective, so you learned to use other strategies to get what you wanted (at least most of the time).

Since those early days, you have continued to receive feedback. Sometimes people make comments about your behavior, and sometimes you simply notice the reaction that your behavior produces.

How Do People Respond to Feedback?

When feedback makes us uncomfortable, we may refuse to acknowledge it or find reasons why it couldn't possibly be true. We might become angry and try to retaliate. But if you fall into these traps, you will miss an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Feedback not only helps you identify areas for improvement, but also highlights your strengths.

How Can I Get More Feedback?

The most effective people actively seek out feedback from others. Here are some suggestions for having a useful feedback discussion.

• Talk with people who are affected by your actions and familiar with your behavior patterns. This may include your boss, work colleagues, or even friends and family.

• Develop questions in advance. Be specific about what you want to know.

Sample Feedback Questions
What could I do to be more effective in this job?
What do you feel are my strengths in this job?
How could I handle my projects more effectively?
What could I do to make your work easier?

• Make it clear that you welcome feedback, because the other person may expect you to become defensive. Invite candid comments and listen to the answers, even if you don't agree.

• Here's one way to start the conversation: "One of my goals this year is to get feedback about how I can be most effective at work, so I'd like to ask you a couple of questions. I'll appreciate any comments that you have, and I really want you to be honest."

• Do not argue or try to explain your behavior. If you don't agree, simply say, "I really appreciate your telling me

Should I Ask My Boss?

Since managers are responsible for evaluating job performance, it helps to know what they are thinking. When asking your boss for feedback, keep these points in mind:

• Even if you have regular performance appraisals, your manager may have additional feedback for you. Because appraisals are official documents, managers often abbreviate their comments.

• If your boss avoids giving constructive feedback, specifically ask how you could improve. If your boss seldom volunteers compliments, ask what you do well.

• Your manager's opinions may differ from those of others. This does not mean your manager is wrong. Your boss has a unique view of your job and may have different expectations.

• Do not discuss performance ratings during this conversation. This is not a mini-performance review.

How Should I Use Feedback?

Try to appreciate your strengths and recognize improvement needs. There are no perfect people, so don't overreact to negative feedback. But if you receive the same comment several times, you need to pay attention.

To implement your development plan, identify one or two specific behaviors to change. Set realistic goals and outline exactly what you plan to do differently. Then periodically ask for more feedback to see if your plan is working!

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