You're struggling to improve your leadership skills in manufacturing. What feedback should you seek?

1 Feedback from your boss

Your boss is the person who evaluates your performance, sets your goals, and provides you with support and guidance. Therefore, you should seek feedback from your boss regularly, not just during formal reviews. Ask your boss for specific and constructive feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement, as well as how you can align your actions with the organizational vision and strategy. Listen to your boss's feedback with an open mind, and thank them for their input. Use your boss's feedback to create a personal development plan, and follow up with them on your progress and challenges.

2 Feedback from your peers

Your peers are the people who work with you on a daily basis, and who share similar responsibilities and challenges. They can provide you with feedback on your collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as your impact on the team and the work environment. Seek feedback from your peers by asking them for honest and respectful opinions on your performance, behavior, and attitude. You can also offer to give them feedback in return, and create a culture of mutual learning and support. Use your peers' feedback to identify your blind spots, and to improve your interpersonal and teamwork skills.

3 Feedback from your direct reports

Your direct reports are the people who report to you, and who depend on you for direction, guidance, and motivation. They can provide you with feedback on your leadership style, your expectations, and your feedback skills. Seek feedback from your direct reports by creating a safe and trusting space for them to share their views and feelings. You can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback from your direct reports. You can also observe their reactions and behaviors, and ask them for specific examples of what you do well and what you can do better. Use your direct reports' feedback to adjust your leadership style, to clarify your expectations, and to enhance your feedback skills.

4 Feedback from your customers

Your customers are the people who use your products or services, and who determine the success of your business. They can provide you with feedback on your quality, delivery, and customer service standards, as well as your innovation and responsiveness to their needs. Seek feedback from your customers by using various methods, such as surveys, reviews, testimonials, or complaints. You can also interact with your customers directly, and ask them for their satisfaction, loyalty, and recommendations. Use your customers' feedback to improve your products or services, to increase your customer value, and to strengthen your customer relationships.

5 Feedback from yourself

Yourself is the person who knows yourself best, and who has the most control over your actions and outcomes. You can provide yourself with feedback by using self-assessment tools, such as personality tests, 360-degree feedback, or SWOT analysis. You can also use self-reflection techniques, such as journaling, meditation, or coaching. Use your self-feedback to understand your personality, values, and goals, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Use your self-feedback to set realistic and challenging goals, to monitor your progress and results, and to celebrate your achievements and learn from your failures.

6 Feedback from others

Others are the people who are not directly involved in your work, but who have a different perspective and experience that can enrich your learning. They can be mentors, coaches, experts, or friends. They can provide you with feedback on your potential, your opportunities, and your challenges, as well as your personal and professional growth. Seek feedback from others by reaching out to them, and asking them for their advice, insights, and feedback. Listen to their feedback with curiosity and gratitude, and ask them for clarification or examples if needed. Use their feedback to expand your knowledge, skills, and network, and to explore new possibilities and directions.

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?