How to get more feedback at work

"We can’t just sit back and wait for feedback to be offered, particularly when we’re in a leadership role. If we want feedback to take root in the culture, we need to explicitly ask for it.”? -Ed Batista

Mid-year review season is upon us, at least for some organizations. When it comes to performance reviews, a recent study found that almost one-third of organizations only conduct annual reviews (Workhuman, 2022). This may be fine if other channels exist for communicating performance feedback throughout the year. However, an abundance of research suggests this isn't the case and that many workers don't feel they receive adequate, regular feedback about their performance.

If you feel like you're wandering through a feedback desert at work, desperately searching for even a drop of recognition or constructive criticism, you're not alone. Many of us experience the frustration of not receiving the valuable feedback we need to grow and succeed in our professional lives. But, just because your organization doesn't have formalized mechanisms for exchanging feedback doesn't mean you have to go without it. Below are some ideas on how to navigate a feedback dustbowl when performance insights are in short supply in your work environment.

• Be Proactive - If you find yourself yearning for feedback, start by taking the initiative to seek it out. Don't wait for it to come to you. Reach out to your teammates, manager, or mentors and express your genuine desire to receive feedback. By demonstrating your eagerness to learn and improve, you create an environment that encourages others to provide helpful insights.
• Identify Areas of Focus - To make it easier for others to provide you with feedback, be clear about the specific areas where you would like input. Whether it's a particular project or a skill you're working on, by pinpointing the areas you're seeking feedback on, you provide a roadmap for others to offer relevant and targeted insights.
• Ask the Right Questions - When you do approach someone for feedback, ask the right questions. Try to avoid generic prompts like "How did I do?" or "What do you think?"; instead, ask more specific questions that invite detailed responses. For example, you could ask, "What aspects of my presentation could be improved?" or "In what ways could I have better supported the team during the last project?" Thoughtful questions encourage deeper insights and enable others to provide more meaningful feedback.
• Build and Nurture Relationships - Developing strong professional relationships can go a long way in creating a feedback-rich environment. Cultivate connections with colleagues that you work closely with, trust, and respect. These individuals can become your go-to sources for valuable feedback. Nurture these relationships through collaboration, active listening, and offering your own feedback, when appropriate. Mutual respect and trust will pave the way for praise and constructive criticism to flow more freely.
• Be Open to Feedback: A surefire way to limit the feedback you receive is to dismiss others' perceptions or act defensively in response to feedback. Demonstrating an open and approachable demeanor creates a safe and inviting space for others to share their perspectives with you. Encourage honest conversations and be receptive to different perspectives.... even if you don't like what you hear.

Although it can be disheartening to feel like you're in a feedback desert, remember that you have the power to change the narrative. By being proactive, identifying areas of focus, fostering relationships, asking the right questions, and remaining receptive to others' perspectives, you can transform a feedback desert into an oasis of continuous dialogue. Keep in mind, however, that seeking feedback isn't about validating your worth—it's about becoming the best version of you. While feedback might currently seem as rare as a lemonade stand in the desert, with the right strategies, you're sure to unearth hidden gems that propel your growth and development. So, my fellow feedback seekers, let's break through the silence and create a culture where feedback flows freely. May your quest for feedback be fruitful and pave the way towards continuous improvement, personal growth, and professional success.