How do you seek feedback and support from others to improve your goal setting skills?

1 Identify your sources of feedback and support

Not all feedback and support are created equal. You want to find people who are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and constructive, and who share your vision and values. These could be mentors, coaches, peers, friends, family, or online communities. Depending on your goals, you might need different types of feedback and support, such as technical, emotional, motivational, or strategic. Think about who can provide you with the kind of feedback and support you need, and how often you want to communicate with them.

2 Ask for feedback and support proactively and respectfully

Don't wait for feedback and support to come to you. Be proactive and ask for it regularly and clearly. Explain your goals, your action plan, your challenges, and your expectations. Be specific about what kind of feedback and support you are looking for, and how you prefer to receive it. For example, do you want written or verbal feedback, positive or negative feedback, suggestions or solutions, praise or criticism, encouragement or accountability? Be respectful of the time and effort of the people who are giving you feedback and support, and thank them for their input.

3 Evaluate and apply feedback and support critically and flexibly

Not all feedback and support are useful or accurate. You need to evaluate and apply them critically and flexibly, based on your own judgment and experience. Don't take feedback and support at face value, but rather ask questions, seek clarification, and verify the sources. Don't accept or reject feedback and support blindly, but rather weigh the pros and cons, and consider the context and the consequences. Don't stick to or change your goals rigidly, but rather adapt and adjust them as needed.

4 Give feedback and support generously and constructively

Feedback and support are not a one-way street. You can also improve your goal setting skills by giving feedback and support to others who are pursuing their goals. This can help you develop your empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as build your network and reputation. When giving feedback and support, be generous and constructive. Focus on the strengths and opportunities of the person, rather than the weaknesses and threats. Provide specific, actionable, and timely feedback and support, and avoid vague, generic, or delayed feedback and support. Use positive and respectful language, and avoid negative and judgmental language.

5 Monitor and measure your feedback and support outcomes

Feedback and support are not an end in themselves, but a means to an end. The ultimate goal of seeking feedback and support is to improve your goal setting skills and achieve your goals. Therefore, you need to monitor and measure your feedback and support outcomes, and see how they affect your goal setting process and results. You can use various tools and methods to do that, such as surveys, journals, dashboards, or metrics. You can also ask for feedback and support on your feedback and support, and see how you can improve them.

6 Celebrate and share your feedback and support successes

Feedback and support are not only a source of learning and improvement, but also a source of joy and satisfaction. When you receive or give feedback and support that helps you or others achieve your goals, you should celebrate and share your feedback and support successes. This can boost your confidence, motivation, and gratitude, as well as inspire and encourage others. You can celebrate and share your feedback and support successes in various ways, such as sending a thank-you note, posting a testimonial, giving a shout-out, or throwing a party.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?