How to get more (and better) feedback
It's rocket fuel for growth
While I talk a lot about giving feedback, it’s also a common refrain (complaint?) amongst my clients that they don’t receive enough feedback. Or at least, not as much as they would like.
My usual reply is “well, when did you last ask for feedback?”
Some look sheepish and admit that they can’t remember when they last asked. Others will say “I’m always asking, and I don’t get anything useful!”.
There’s a few simple things you can do to get more and better feedback.
One. Ask.
Seriously. If you don’t regularly ask for feedback, start. Remember other people are mostly focused on themselves. Giving you feedback is unlikely to be top of their list (even if it should be) and they may have their own discomfort in offering it. You asking makes clear your desire to receive it and reminds them to do it.
Two. Be specific.
What do you want feedback on? Saying “do you have any feedback for me?” may result in blank stares. It’s such a big question that often people’s minds go blank. Try framing your feedback saying things such as “Do you have any feedback for me on the presentation this morning? I’m working on brevity and clarity when responding to questions - how did I do? Was there anything else you noticed”. This will allow the giver to provide more specific and often more actionable feedback.
Three. Frame in advance.
For even better feedback, share those requests in advance. You might say “I’m working on brevity and clarity when responding to questions. Would you be willing to give me some feedback after this morning’s client presentation on how I get on?”. It signposts particular aspects in advance ensuring they are on the lookout, and again will typically result in more and better feedback.
Sweating the Small Stuff
This week: Ask permission to give feedback.
When you are feeling uncomfortable giving feedback - as many people do - you may end up almost blurting it out and surprising people.
Instead, try asking “May I offer you some feedback on that?”
This stops the feedback being a surprise. When the other person say yes, as they usually do, it also immediately makes them more receptive to what you say. And, it provides a space to say “Yes, and could we talk later, I’m right in the middle of something” which makes it more likely they will actually hear and take in the feedback you give.
It’s a small change with a big impact. Try it and let me know how you get on.
Let me know how you get on! Comment below and start the conversation.
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