What do you do if you need feedback and guidance from your boss to improve your strategic performance?

1 Seek Clarity

Before approaching your boss for feedback, it's important to have a clear understanding of the areas where you seek improvement. Reflect on your strategic performance and pinpoint specific instances or decisions that didn't yield the expected outcomes. By identifying these moments, you can ask targeted questions that will elicit more than just general advice. Prepare a list of these instances and articulate why you believe they are critical to your development. This preparation demonstrates your self-awareness and commitment to growth, which are essential traits in any strategic role.

2 Schedule Time

Once you've identified your areas for improvement, the next step is to schedule a dedicated time with your boss to discuss your strategic performance. Find a moment when both of you can focus on the conversation without distractions. Respect their schedule by proposing a meeting time in advance and outlining the purpose of the discussion. This courtesy allows your boss to prepare their thoughts and ensures that the meeting is productive. Remember, feedback sessions are most effective when both parties are fully engaged and not preoccupied with other tasks.

3 Present Cases

During your meeting, present the cases you've prepared that highlight the areas where you seek guidance. Discuss the context, your thought process, and the outcomes of each situation. This approach allows your boss to understand your perspective and provides a foundation for their feedback. Be open to their insights and show a willingness to consider alternative strategies. Engaging in a dialogue about specific cases creates an opportunity for practical learning and demonstrates your proactive approach to enhancing your strategic acumen.

4 Embrace Feedback

Receiving feedback can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it's a valuable part of professional growth. Listen actively to what your boss has to say, taking notes if necessary. Resist the urge to defend your actions or to explain away the outcomes. Instead, focus on understanding their perspective and the reasoning behind their advice. Embrace the feedback with an open mind, recognizing that it's aimed at helping you improve. This mindset will not only benefit your strategic performance but also strengthen your relationship with your boss.

5 Apply Insights

After your discussion, take time to reflect on the feedback and insights provided by your boss. Consider how you can incorporate this guidance into your future strategic planning and decision-making processes. Applying what you've learned is crucial—feedback is only as valuable as the improvements it leads to. Set specific goals for yourself based on the feedback and develop an action plan to achieve them. This demonstrates to your boss that you take their advice seriously and are committed to continuous improvement.