How will I be perceived, if I ask for feedback?
It’s typical that we want feedback on our work, our projects or events. Not the ‘great job, now let’s get on to the next deadline’ kind, but some thoughtful, useful – and of course, timely feedback. We want to know that we’re on track or off track, and how to improve for next time.
So, it’s normal to want feedback – and – guess what, it’s also normal to be afraid of how you will look asking for it. Will I look insecure? Needy? Like I can’t wait for the formal review process? There’s some truth in that voice of the ‘inner critic’, which can guide you in asking for feedback. It can provide guidance for being relevant, choosing who and when to ask for feedback.
And don’t let that voice stop you. You know that feedback is essential to growth. Many opportunities for growth will be lost if you wait for a quarterly, or untimely annual review. And receiving feedback from more than just your boss can help you gain valuable perspectives on your work.
So how will you look, asking for feedback? I’m going to suggest that you’ll look confident, and humble, enough to be open to improvement and growth. In fact, as a coach, I see asking for feedback as taking charge of your own development – leading yourself!
Where to start? As with all learning, you can take baby steps*. First, you can start with seeking your feedback from highly trusted sources, anonymously. As you get more comfortable, you can ask for anonymous feedback from others who you respect, outside your inner circle.
Another baby step is to start with small questions. Not so small as to be meaningless, but small in terms of risk for you. Ask about a project or event that you feel good about, and ask for suggestions for focused improvements. Here’s an example: How could I improve the flow of my presentation at our last meeting? Check out the sample question list on the Rypple home page for examples.
By asking for feedback, you’ll demonstrate that you want to improve. And most importantly, you’ll demonstrate that you are leading yourself, taking charge of your own growth.
Now, how would you like to be perceived? Take the step, ask for feedback – and lead yourself!
(*For those who hate baby steps, watch for the upcoming post on ‘Diving into the deep end of the Feedback Pool’)
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