The Value of Feedback

Feedback from supervisors and peers is one of the most important takeaways from any job position. While we inherently know it’s good for us, it isn’t always easy to ask for it or to hear it.

Plan on It

Realizing the value of feedback, you will want to devise a plan to ask for it regularly. An obvious opportunity is in meetings with your manager, so plan on asking for feedback regularly in those meetings. But you will grow even more if you learn to ask for feedback from your peers and others that share experiences with you in different work situations. Regularly ask for feedback from your co-workers or project partners. A ’360 view’ will give you more insight than a single opinion.

How to ask for Feedback

A direct request for feedback doesn’t always give you the most complete response. First, be sure you’re asking from someone with whom you’ve developed a relationship of trust. Then, with a few prompts, you can help the person provide much more useful input. Instead of saying, “can you give me feedback on my performance”, relate your inquiry to a specific situation, with prompts like:

• What do you think I could have done differently in the recent project?
• What did you enjoy about working with me on….?
• How do you think I could have improved my contribution?
• When you think of working with me on… what do you think I could have done to achieve better results?
• What three things come to mind when you think of me?

Now that you’ve asked for feedback, make sure you take it well. It may not be exactly what you are hoping for, but that’s why you asked!

When receiving feedback, follow these 6 important tips:

• Never be defensive when someone provides input. Take a deep breath and encourage them to speak freely.
• Listen to understand and grow. You may be tempted to insert your opinion, but bite you tongue and use your very best listening skills.
• Suspend Judgement. You asked for it, so don’t let the conversation impact your relationship in any way, even if you didn’t like or agree with what you heard.
• Summarize what you hear. Learn to recite back what was said so you can be sure you capture the true meaning.
• Ask questions to clarify. Just don’t interrupt the flow of the conversation.
• Get examples. Situational tips can give you the best possible guidance. It’s one thing to hear what to do, but learning how it applies is even more beneficial.

Think of feedback as a gift, and always thank the giver for it. Use it for all it’s worth and make it a regular habit throughout your career.

We at Knopman Marks wish you every success in your new opportunity. Thanks for checking in, and stay in touch!