How often should you ask for feedback in IT Operations Management?

1 Why feedback matters

Feedback is the information you receive from others about your actions, results, and behaviors. It can be a powerful tool to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. In IT operations management, feedback can help you align your operations with the business strategy and objectives, ensure the quality and reliability of services and products, enhance communication and collaboration skills, resolve issues faster and more effectively, as well as innovate and adapt to changing needs and expectations. Moreover, it can motivate you to learn, grow, and achieve your goals.

2 Who to ask for feedback

As an IT operations manager, you can request feedback from various sources depending on your purpose and context. Your manager or supervisor can give you feedback on your overall performance, progress, and development, as well as help you set and review your goals. Your peers or colleagues can provide you with feedback on your technical skills, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, plus share their insights and best practices. Your direct reports or staff can give you feedback on your leadership, management, and coaching skills, as well as tell you how they feel about their work. Lastly, your customers or stakeholders can provide you with feedback on customer service, quality, and value. They can also express their satisfaction, dissatisfaction, or suggestions for improvement.

3 How to ask for feedback

Asking for feedback can be daunting, but you can make it easier and more effective by following a few tips. Be specific when seeking feedback on a specific aspect of your work, such as a project, task, skill, or behavior. Additionally, ask for feedback soon after the event or situation so that it is accurate and relevant. It is also important to demonstrate an open attitude with a positive and curious attitude. Show that you are willing to listen, learn, and improve. Respectfully thank the feedback provider for their time and input. Acknowledge their perspective and experience without being defensive, argumentative, or dismissive of the feedback.

4 How to use feedback

Getting feedback is only the beginning; you must use it to improve your performance and results. To do so, analyze the feedback carefully and objectively, looking for facts, evidence, and examples that support it. Evaluate the feedback critically and constructively, considering its source, context, and purpose. Decide which feedback is useful and actionable for you, then make a plan to implement it. Set SMART goals and actions to monitor your progress and results. Additionally, seek more feedback to check your improvement and adjust your plan if needed.

5 How often to ask for feedback

The frequency of asking for feedback in IT operations management is dependent on various factors, such as your role, responsibilities, goals, projects, and preferences. However, some general guidelines are to ask for feedback regularly and consistently; don't wait for annual reviews or performance appraisals. Additionally, seek feedback when it matters and when it can help you improve; for instance, after completing a major project or launching a new service. Moreover, don't be afraid to ask for feedback when you need it and want it; if you feel stuck or confused, or have a specific question or goal that you need feedback on. Asking for feedback can help keep track of your performance, address any issues, and celebrate your achievements.

6 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?