Here's how you can cultivate honest and valuable feedback from your colleagues on your work.
Receiving feedback is essential for professional growth, but it can be challenging to get colleagues to share their honest opinions. By implementing strategic approaches, you can encourage a more open dialogue and gain insights that are both honest and valuable. This can lead to improved performance, better teamwork, and a deeper understanding of how your work is perceived by others.
One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is to ask for feedback directly. Approach your colleagues with a genuine interest in their perspective. Explain that you value their opinion and are seeking constructive criticism to improve your work. Be specific about what you want feedback on to make it easier for them to provide targeted insights. When you demonstrate openness to learning and growing, people are more likely to offer the honest feedback you're looking for.
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To cultivate honest and useful feedback from your colleagues, focus on establishing psychological safety(or by asking people whom you have this space with) and encouraging detailed feedback. This ensures that everyone feels comfortable sharing their "raw feedback" thoughts and providing specific directions. However, feedback is just the first step. To truly benefit from it, actively reflect on the feedback from multiple pov's and then decide whether to implement changes based on your evaluation. This continuous cycle of feedback, reflection, and iteration is crucial for personal and professional growth.
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"This is a very good point, very positive on the one hand, but it can also be seen as a negative. On the one hand, it shows the desire, motivation, and sincerity of the person asking. Sometimes, in certain places, it can be viewed as a weakness, like saying 'I don't really know, please explain to me.' Of course, I don't see it that way, but it needs to be said that there are workplaces where if you don't show confidence, you're considered weak."
Creating an environment where feedback is regularly exchanged can make the process feel more natural. Start by sharing your own thoughts on projects and invite others to do the same. Show appreciation for the feedback you receive, regardless of whether it's positive or negative, and act on it where appropriate. This sets a precedent that feedback is welcome and respected, encouraging your colleagues to be more forthcoming with their own thoughts.
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"You need to know how to give feedback on feedback. Especially if I give feedback to someone and see that, consistently, they don't take my feedback into account at all on a performance level, this will be problematic. So, it's important to work together in a very transparent manner. Be honest, even if the feedback doesn't perfectly match the way of working you choose."
Timing can significantly affect the quality of feedback you receive. Look for moments when your colleagues are less pressured and more likely to have the bandwidth to give thoughtful responses. Avoid asking for feedback immediately before a deadline or during a stressful period. Instead, choose a calm environment and a suitable time when your colleagues can give your work the attention it deserves.
Vague requests for feedback can result in equally vague responses. Instead, ask for feedback on specific aspects of your work. Whether it's the effectiveness of a presentation, the clarity of a report, or the impact of a project, focusing on particular elements can guide your colleagues to provide more detailed and actionable insights. This specificity not only makes it easier for them to review your work but also ensures that the feedback you receive is relevant and useful.
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"It's very important and even critical in some places. People love to give criticism/feedback, no matter what you call it, but it will be from their point of view. You won't always be able to derive practical actions from it. Therefore, it's important to ask for very precise and specific feedback regarding topics within the project. For example: how are the colors, how is this data, and so on."
After receiving feedback, follow up with your colleagues to show that their input has been valuable. Discuss how you've implemented their suggestions or explain why certain advice couldn't be acted upon. This follow-up demonstrates that you take their opinions seriously and are committed to continuous improvement. It also keeps the lines of communication open for future feedback exchanges.
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"I agree, I mentioned it earlier. If a colleague sees that the feedback they give doesn't yield any results, they will conclude that their feedback doesn't really mean anything. That's why it's important to reflect on the action, explaining why you decided to use their feedback and why you decided not to use certain feedback. This will create a relationship of honesty between you."
Always express gratitude when someone takes the time to review your work and provide feedback. A simple thank you can go a long way in building a positive relationship with your colleagues. It acknowledges their effort and reinforces the value of their input. When people feel appreciated, they are more likely to continue providing honest and valuable feedback in the future.
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To cultivate honest and valuable feedback from your colleagues, create a culture of open communication and trust. Encourage regular, informal check-ins where feedback is a natural part of the conversation. Be specific in asking for feedback on particular aspects of your work, and show appreciation for their insights. Demonstrate that you value their input by acting on the feedback and making visible improvements. Additionally, provide constructive feedback to others, as this reciprocity fosters a more open and supportive environment.
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