Yes, it’s that time of the year—Career Conversations!

Last week, I caught up with one of my mentees, a seasoned leader in his late 30s where he shared updates on his career progress.

Me: So, what’s up? How are you? How are things progressing?

Mentee: It’s pretty much the status quo, nothing much has changed.

Me: Hmm, interesting! How was your annual performance conversation? What have you been hearing?

Mentee: Nothing much, really.

Me: When was the last time you asked for specific feedback during your bi-weekly calls or your daily meetings with your boss?

Mentee: Ask for feedback? Well, we discuss updates, and I meet my boss daily. Isn’t that enough?

Me: Sounds like you’re in the loop, but are you really getting the feedback you need? How are you ensuring that you ask for and receive constructive feedback?

Mentee: I… I haven’t really thought about it that way.

It’s quite common, actually. Many of us hesitate to ask for feedback. Probably because we fear criticism or what we might hear. Or perhaps we simply never learned how to seek feedback effectively.

By not actively seeking feedback, we risk stagnating in our careers and missing essential growth opportunities.

So, what can one do?

✅Be Specific About What You Want Feedback On: Instead of a vague “Do you have any feedback for me?”, direct your questions towards specific aspects of your work. Ask, “How could I improve the presentation I delivered last Monday?” or “Do you have suggestions for increasing the efficiency of my project management?” Specific questions make it easier for your feedback providers to offer concrete, actionable advice. Encourage your teams to seek feedback similarly when working with you.

✅Create a Safe Space for Honesty: Feedback is a two-way street. If you want honest insights, you need to foster an environment where your peers and superiors feel comfortable sharing their true thoughts. This means responding to criticism with openness and gratitude, rather than defensiveness or indifference.

✅Regularly Schedule Feedback Sessions: While you may meet with your team or boss regularly, it’s crucial to carve out specific times for feedback discussions. Perhaps try asking for it every other week. This shows that you value and prioritize growth through feedback.

✅Follow Up on Feedback: After receiving feedback, show that you take it seriously by acting on it and providing regular updates on your progress. This not only demonstrates your commitment to personal growth but also encourages your peers and superiors to continue providing valuable insights into your work.

Feedback is a powerful tool for professional development, yet so many of us shy away from it due to fear or misunderstanding of its importance. By adopting these practices, you can transform feedback from something daunting into a valuable resource for growth.

When was the last time you asked for feedback, and how did you use it to improve yourself or your work?

#careers #feedback #leadership