As a career professional with many years of experience, staying relevant in the tech landscape is important for career advancement. However, one key factor to staying relevant is seeking feedback at work.
Not seeking feedback for work creates self-doubt and uncertainty about your next steps to career growth. It's one thing to seek input, and it's another thing to know how to seek feedback.
Knowing how to ask for feedback at work can be the key to gaining clarity, boosting confidence, and accelerating your career. We will also examine how important feedback is for career growth, strategies for requesting feedback, and how to handle the lack of feedback.
How to ask for feedback at work
For career professionals, feedback helps you stay on track, refine your skills, and align with industry demands. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively ask for feedback in the workplace:
Be clear about what you want feedback on: Instead of asking for general feedback, be specific with your question. For instance, if you recently completed a challenging network overhaul, you might ask, “Can you provide feedback on how I managed the network upgrade project?” This specificity guarantees that the feedback is actionable.
Choose the right time and setting: Timing is critical. Don't seek feedback when everywhere is rowdy or in a public setting. Be tactical, choose a quiet moment or schedule a one-on-one meeting. Following up after a significant project or performance review is highly recommended, as your work will remain fresh in your supervisor’s mind.
Show that you value constructive criticism: While positive feedback is always encouraging, constructive criticism helps you grow. Be sure to frame your request in a way that welcomes both types of feedback. You might say, “I’d appreciate hearing about what I did well, but I’d also like to know if there’s anything I could improve.”
Listen actively and take notes: When receiving feedback, listen to understand, not to respond. Do not interrupt, even if it’s not what you expect to hear. Taking notes during the discussion shows that you are serious about applying the feedback, and it ensures you won’t forget important details.
Ask clarifying questions: If feedback is unclear, always ask for more information. For example, if your manager mentions that you need to improve your leadership skills, ask for specific examples of where you could have done better.
Follow up and act on the feedback: After receiving it, think about it and create an action plan. Let your manager or colleague know how you plan to improve based on their insights. This shows you are proactive and that you value communication. It also keeps the lines of communication open for future feedback.
The Importance of feedback for career growth
Feedback is an essential tool for continuous improvement. It helps you understand how others perceive your performance, identify your strengths, and pinpoint areas that need development. If you are aiming to increase your income, transition into consulting, or move into a more advanced role, feedback provides actionable insights into how to achieve your goals.
In an industry as fast-paced as IT, staying stagnant is not a choice. Regular feedback checks your performance, helping you fine-tune your technical and soft skills while maintaining your value in the marketplace.
92% of employees believe feedback when delivered appropriately, is effective at improving performance (Zenger/Folkman).
Employees who receive regular feedback are 3.6 times more likely to feel motivated to do outstanding work (Gallup).
How to respond to feedback positively
Receiving feedback can sometimes feel uncomfortable. However, responding positively to feedback for personal growth and maintaining strong professional relationships is essential. Here's how you can ensure your response reflects openness and professionalism:
Stay open-minded: It's easy to get defensive when hearing constructive criticism, but remain open-minded. Remember, feedback is intended to help you improve. Please focus on the message rather than taking it personally.
Listen without interrupting: When receiving feedback, listen attentively without interrupting. This shows respect for the person giving the feedback and allows you to fully understand their points before responding.
Acknowledge the feedback: Whether the feedback is positive or points out areas for improvement, acknowledge it. You can say something like, "Thank you for pointing that out" or "I appreciate your insights." Acknowledging feedback demonstrates that you value the person's input.
Ask clarifying questions: If the feedback is vague or you need more details, ask questions. This shows you're engaged and helps you gain more precise insights on how to improve. For example, "Could you give me an example of when I could have handled the project better?"
Express gratitude: Say “thank you” to the person for their feedback. It’s a simple gesture, but it fosters a positive atmosphere and encourages them to offer feedback in the future.
Create an action plan: After receiving feedback, reflect on how you can apply it. Tell the person what steps you will take to improve, and follow through with those actions. This shows commitment to growth and professionalism.
How to handle a lack of feedback and navigate your career path
It is, unfortunately, true that not every workplace has a feedback-rich culture. If you find yourself in an environment where feedback is scarce, here are ways to take control:
Seek out informal feedback: Some companies conduct reviews annually. To avoid this, casually ask trusted colleagues or managers for their input. This could be after meetings, during one-on-one sessions, or through emails.
Use self-assessment tools: When external feedback is lacking, self-assessment can provide clarity. Examine your recent work, review any metrics or KPIs, and be honest about where you need to grow.
Build a personal development plan: Map out your career goals and identify the skills or qualifications you need to achieve them. This way, you can proactively work towards career advancement, even if feedback is minimal.
Seek mentorship or peer support: If feedback from your direct supervisors is complex, consider finding a mentor or joining industry peer groups. A mentor can offer insights and guidance, while peers can provide an external view of your performance.
Seeking feedback at work is not just about improving your current performance; it’s a vital part of growing your career. Whether you’re aiming to change jobs, increase your salary, or eventually become an entrepreneur, feedback will illuminate your path. Don’t let self-doubt or a lack of direction hold you back; instead, take charge by seeking the feedback you need to grow.
However, asking for and applying feedback is just one part of the equation. You might need more structured support to truly discover your full potential and defeat challenges like self-doubt or lack of clarity.
A personalised 60-minute career coaching session could be the key to overcoming those obstacles. With tailored advice, goal-setting strategies, and actionable steps, you will navigate your career path with confidence and clarity.
Schedule your session today, and take the first step toward transforming your career. Let’s work together to create a roadmap for your success.