How to Ask for Feedback

Don’t be proud. You have a thousand smart, experienced, and willing people that surround you, and their help is gold.

1. Prepare the right questions

• Open ended questions like
  • What do you think is currently working and not working about…
  • What are specific ways I could better…
  • Which parts about … concern you the most
  • What steps can I take to prepare … for the next steps
• Yes or No questions allow people to quickly give a straightforward answer
  • Do you think I should take … action?
  • Have I shown improvements in …?

2. Identify the right people to ask for feedback

• Start with your closest circle
• Try to find different sources
• Then widen the circle

3. Productive feedback conversations

• Ask for honesty
• Be specific and timely
• Listen to learn
• Ask clarifying questions
• Take notes
• Commit and follow up