3 Questions to Ask to Get Better Feedback

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When was the last time you asked for feedback?

It can be a little awkward and intimidating to approach a co-worker or leader and ask how you did on something.

But getting feedback is crucial to your growth as an individual and an employee.

Instead of simply asking for feedback or how you did on something, you can ask different questions to make the situation less uncomfortable and help you get better feedback.

Here are three questions to ask to get better feedback and start a meaningful feedback conversation. These are questions I ask my team members regularly that help me improve and grow.

1. Can I get your advice? When you ask this question, it means you’ve thought through a problem to create a solution. Your leader or colleague can provide feedback on your solution to make sure you’re moving in the right direction. Instead of simply complaining about something or asking a question without a solution in mind, when you ask for specific advice you’ve already done the work to make your own plan.
2. What can I do better? Asking this question allows the person to give feedback based on your strengths. Instead of asking what you’re doing wrong, this question focuses on the positive and helps build on your natural abilities.
3. What can I focus on now to prepare for a future role? Asking what skills and mindsets you should be learning now focuses on your growth. It shows you are interested in your future and can provide direct guidance to set you up for future success.

I put together a video which talks about this in more detail. Please check it out below and if you want more content like this you can subscribe to my Youtube channel.

Feedback is vital, but it doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. When you phrase asking for feedback differently, the conversations can flow more smoothly and be more directed to your growth and development.

These three questions all focus on positive growth that is pointed to the future. The goal of asking for feedback isn’t to break you down, but to build you up and help you prepare for the future.

Instead of avoiding feedback, ask for it differently. Choose one of these questions to start with and use it as a jumping-off point for quality feedback.

Your future self will thank you.

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Over the last 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking and working with some of the world's top leaders. Here are 15 of my favorite leadership lessons that I learned from the CEOs of organizations like Netflix, Honeywell, Volvo, Best Buy, The Home Depot, and others. I hope they inspire you and give you things you can try in your work and life. Get the PDF here.

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