Your boss is too busy to give you feedback. How can you get the guidance you need?

1 Ask for feedback proactively

Don't wait for your boss to initiate feedback sessions. Schedule regular check-ins with them and prepare specific questions or topics you want to discuss. For example, you could ask for feedback on a recent project, a skill you want to improve, or a goal you want to achieve. Be clear about what kind of feedback you need, whether it's praise, criticism, advice, or support. And be respectful of your boss's time and availability. Don't bombard them with requests or expect immediate responses.

2 Seek feedback from other sources

Your boss is not the only person who can give you feedback. You can also seek feedback from your peers, mentors, clients, or other managers. They might have different perspectives, insights, or experiences that can help you grow and improve. You can also use self-assessment tools, such as surveys, quizzes, or journals, to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and set your own learning goals. Just make sure you are open to constructive feedback and willing to act on it.

3 Use feedback to create an action plan

Feedback is only useful if you use it to improve your performance and development. Once you receive feedback, don't just file it away or forget about it. Instead, use it to create an action plan that outlines the steps you will take to address the feedback. For example, you could identify the skills you need to work on, the resources you need to access, the timelines you need to follow, and the metrics you need to measure. And don't forget to share your action plan with your boss and update them on your progress.

6 Keep learning and growing

Feedback is not the only way to advance your career development. You can also take charge of your own learning and growth by seeking new opportunities, challenges, and experiences. You can enroll in courses, workshops, or webinars, read books or articles, listen to podcasts or videos, or join online communities or groups. You can also volunteer for projects, tasks, or roles that stretch your abilities, expose you to new situations, or allow you to showcase your talents. By keeping learning and growing, you can demonstrate your initiative, value, and potential to your boss and others.