Requesting Feedback: What Are You Really Asking For?

Requesting Feedback: What Are You Really Asking For?

At work, how often do you wonder, how am I doing? It’s important not to let the thought end there, so let’s pause and think a bit more about performance and feedback.

When you really think about it are you asking for genuine feedback (what’s working and what’s not) or are you instead looking for reassurance you’re doing well?

Millennials have been conditioned to receive frequent feedback. Fact is, we crave it and want to know exactly how we’re doing at all times.

Now in theory, when you start a new job, it’d be great to be told at the end of the day that you’re excellent, that you were a great hire; at the end of the first week that you’ve really caught on well in the role; and at the first year mark that you’re really a high performer the likes of which they’ve never seen before.

However, in reality, it doesn’t happen like that.

I recently changed the hours of my position, with no accompanying change in responsibilities or deliverables. I knew I’d be able to do handle it, considering I suggested it in the first place based on workload and other life reasons, but for the first few months I found myself having to ask my boss, So we’re good right?

Not the worst situation, but not ideal either. So how do you get the right kind of feedback without having to pull someone when they’re halfway out the door at the end of the day?

Here are a few tips on how to get the reassurance and feedback you need at work:

Be subtle, not dramatic

If possible, at the end of the conversation or at a natural stopping point like the conclusion of a project, ask How’d I do on that? or Anything I can improve on?

Ask pointed questions

In a more formal setting like a project debrief, ask Did I meet all the deliverable well? What did you think of my presentation? Did you receive any positive or negative remarks from other stakeholders?

Organize a formal meeting and do your homework

Sometimes people get busy and don’t take the time to give you a formal review. If this is the case, request one and, if the ask is well received, set up a time. And when it is time, make sure you come prepared with a spreadsheet of your accomplishments and challenges throughout the year.

And finally, remember that feedback won’t always be positive. Take it in stride, don’t be defensive and work on how to improve. Then of course ask for feedback on how you’ve been improving!

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