The Gift of Feedback: Ask For it Often

Feedback is one of the greatest gifts you could ever receive from a coworker, leader, or friend. Feedback can help you to discover blind spots that could be barriers as you matriculate through your career. So why is it that people hesitate to provide the gift of feedback? Feedback can be difficult to give and to receive. In a world where so many of us strive to have it all together, allowing room for feedback can separate you from the rest. Over the course of my career, I've learned to ask for feedback often. Let people that you work closest with know that you need their feedback. Sometimes I'll say, "my goal is to be the best leader that I can be. Your feedback is critical to my success as a leader. What is something that you've noticed that could support me in my journey to become a better leader?" When receiving feedback, you must remember that feedback are the opinions of others. You will have to decipher the feedback and find the nuggets that are helpful in your quest for execution. You may find that some feedback is not all that helpful. In that case, you decide what to do with it. You can decide to totally disregard it, or reflect on it to find the pieces that are useful. Regardless of what you do with the feedback however, be thankful for it and remember that it is a gift. Someone cared enough about you to give you their thoughts. 

There will also be times that you are in a position to provide the gift of feedback. Before providing feedback, be sure that you've taken the time to build a trusting relationship. Feedback is more meaningful when the recipient knows that you have their best interest in mind. Next, assess the readiness of the receiver. You could say, "as I've had the opportunity to work closely with you, I've noticed some things that might help propel you forward. Would you be interested hearing more?" Finally, provide the feedback in a caring, compassionate, and supportive way. You can end by thanking the recipient for their openness and for allowing you to participate in their journey