Team Culture

How to ask for and receive constructive feedback

How to ask for and receive constructive feedback

TL;DR

  • Ask for feedback on a specific interaction or project
  • Ask about recent activities (best within 24 hours)
  • Frequently ask for small feedbacks
  • Ask open ended questions

Asking for constructive feedback can be a daunting task, but it's an essential part of personal and professional growth. Constructive feedback is the key to understanding how to improve and hone your skills. In this article, we will discuss how to ask for and receive constructive feedback.

Ask for feedback on a specific interaction or project

When asking for feedback, it's essential to be specific. Asking open-ended questions like "How am I doing?" will only result in vague responses. Instead, ask specific questions about your work, such as "What could I improve about my presentation?" or "How did you like my work on this project?" By doing so, you're providing a clear context for the feedback.

Ask about recent activities (best within 24 hours)

Timing is crucial when asking for feedback. The best time to ask for feedback is within 24 hours of the interaction or project. This ensures that the person you're asking still remembers the specifics of the situation and can provide relevant feedback.

Frequently ask for small feedbacks

Frequent short feedback sessions, rather than full performance reviews, are less time-consuming, allow for an agile approach to improving performance, and foster better communication between colleagues. Regular feedback promotes ongoing growth, helps create a culture of openness and collaboration, and enables individuals to make continuous improvements to their work. So keep it simple and ask for feedback often.

Ask open ended questions

Leading questions tend to elicit responses that confirm what you already believe. For instance, asking "Was my presentation good?" will likely result in a simple "yes" or "no" response. Instead, ask open-ended questions like "What could I improve about my presentation?" This encourages the person to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback.

Asking for constructive feedback can be nerve-wracking, but it's a critical step towards improving your skills and achieving your goals. By asking specific questions, timing your requests appropriately, and asking for feedback frequently, we can create a culture of growth and collaboration. Remember to approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. So go ahead and ask for that feedback, and watch as your skills and abilities reach new heights!

Start improving through direct actionable feedback now!