You want to get ahead at work. How can you ask your boss for feedback that will help you succeed?

1 Prepare yourself

Before you ask your boss for feedback, make sure you are ready to receive it. Feedback can be positive or negative, but it is always an opportunity to learn and grow. Therefore, it is important to reflect on your own work and achievements, identifying what you have done well, what you have struggled with, and what you want to improve. Additionally, set some specific and realistic goals for yourself. Consider what you want to achieve in the next week, month, or quarter and how you plan to measure your progress and results. Lastly, remember to be open-minded and receptive when receiving feedback; it is not a personal attack or a judgment of your worth. Instead, it is a way to help you improve and reach your potential.

2 Choose the right time and place

When asking your boss for feedback, timing and setting are essential. You should avoid disrupting their schedule or catching them off guard. Therefore, it is important to schedule a meeting in advance and pick a suitable location. This could be their office, a conference room, or even over a coffee. Make sure the place is quiet and free of distractions. Additionally, you should arrive on time, dress appropriately, and bring any relevant documents or notes that you want to share or refer to. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you have an honest and respectful conversation in a private and comfortable space.

4 Listen actively and respectfully

Asking for feedback is only half of the equation. You also need to listen to what your boss has to say and show that you respect and appreciate their input. Listening actively and respectfully can help you understand your boss's perspective, clarify any misunderstandings, and build trust and rapport. To do this, focus on the conversation and avoid distractions, maintain eye contact, don't interrupt or argue, ask follow-up questions, and summarize. It's important to let your boss finish their thoughts and express their opinions without cutting them off or challenging them defensively. If you disagree or have a different point of view, wait for your turn to speak and explain your position calmly and politely.

5 Thank your boss and take action

The last step in asking for feedback is to thank your boss and take action based on their feedback. To show your appreciation and commitment, you should express gratitude for their support and guidance, set a plan to improve your skills or performance, and recognize and reward yourself for your accomplishments. Additionally, you should update your boss on your progress and results, and learn from any challenges or setbacks. Doing so will demonstrate that you value their time and effort, are willing to learn from them, and are determined to achieve your goals.

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?