Six of the scariest words in business might be when a colleague asks, “Can I give you some feedback?” Face it, employees want feedback, but getting unsolicited feedback is seldom a welcomed event. By teaching your employees to ask for feedback – and specifically HOW to ask for feedback – you’ll give your team the opportunity to get the help and support they need.
Here are three reasons to encourage people to ask for feedback:
- It builds reciprocity. When you ask for feedback, it makes it easier for the other person to ask for feedback in return. Both parties now have an opportunity to create a partnership and even develop a friendship in the process.
- It sets the ground rules. The requester can set the parameters of the discussion and learn exactly what they need to know without activating the fight or flight response.
- It builds confidence. When employees are empowered to ask for the specific feedback they want, it helps them grow, both personally and professionally.
So that’s the why, but exactly HOW do you ask? Here are four tips to get you started:
- 1. Ask at an appropriate time and place.
The best way to figure out what that is is to schedule a meeting with the person and give them the reason you want to meet with them. By giving them some time to think about their responses, you’ll get much better quality feedback.
- Put together an agenda and document the feedback.
By asking for the specific feedback you are looking for, you’ll make it easier on the other person to share their input. Keep it simple and straight-forward. Take notes during the meeting and don’t forget to thank them for their time.
- 3. Act on the information received.
If you’re not going to take the initiative and apply at least some of the feedback received, your chances of being able to ask that person are dramatically reduced. Implement the changes and share your results with the person who suggested your actions.
- Get feedback regularly.
When you make feedback an ongoing process, you’ll be able to make adjustments as they are needed. You’ll also develop a reciprocal relationship with the person giving the feedback and you may be able to help each other.
Asking for feedback is a powerful approach to your self-development. Start the process by asking someone for feedback so you can show how it’s done. Then, let other people try it. When you create a safe environment for giving feedback, you’ll inspire your team and increase overall engagement.
