Stuck with a boss who won't give feedback? Try this.

I worked at a company for 3 years.

During that time I got no feedback. Nada, Zero, Zilch.

I had no idea how I was performing. None of us did. There was no culture of feedback.

I wish I would've gotten some constructive feedback from my manager. Either they were too busy or too uncomfortable. Regardless, we both lost out. Sigh.

BTW I'm no exception here. According to Humu:

Managers were struggling to provide feedback pre-COVID. It’s only getting worse since everyone’s remote. Bad manager ratings on the statement, “My manager provides me with feedback that helps me to improve over time” dropped from mid-2020 to mid-2021, and continued to decline as the year went on.

If you're not sure how you're performing at work because your boss doesn't share constructive feedback with you. These 4 strategies will help you extract feedback from them.

1. Make asking for feedback a routine.

At the end of your project, ask your manager two questions:

• "What’s one thing you’d like me to do differently next time?"
• ?"What’s one thing you think I’m doing well?"

Try repeating this every so often, and you’ll start to notice a shift in your boss’s reaction. The trick is to remain persistent with your request. Your mission is continuous improvement.

2.?Make it easy for your manager.

In an ideal world, your manager should be the one making your life easier. But alas we don't live in an ideal world.

Giving feedback can be an overwhelming exercise for your manager. Make it easy for them by using efficient prompts:

?? Avoid: “Do you have any feedback for me?”

?? Try: “What’s one thing I need to improve when it comes to X?”

Ask a specific question so the answer you get leads to a specific action you. Most feedback fails because it's all talk and no action.

3.?A/B test your manager.

Some managers get uncomfortable with the word “feedback.” If your manager gets squeamish with the thought of providing you feedback. Mix it up. Drop the word "feedback" and try one of the following words instead:

• "I’m looking for?direction"
• "I'd love your opinion"
• "I’d love your?guidance"
• "Do you have any “advice”?

4. Frame your ask.?(Most of us skip this step)

It’s a good idea to tell your boss “why” you’re requesting their feedback before you make the request. Something like this works:

“I’m trying to improve X and would appreciate your feedback on how I can get better. Would you be willing to share in our next 1:1?"

There you have it. Pick one and experiment.

The fact that you’re asking for feedback tells me you’re on the right path. It takes courage to ask for feedback.

Please don't stop asking. You deserve to know.

Keep leading

Ali