How to Ask Your Boss For Feedback (Without Sounding Needy)

By January 25, 2018For Talent

Feedback is necessary for growth in your career. If you’re waiting for your annual review to find out how you’re doing then you’re making a huge mistake.

So, whether you relish constructive feedback or the thought of it makes you break out in hives, here’s how you can ask your boss to give you the evaluation that you need.

Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Choose a good time

You want thoughtful feedback, not a passing comment from your boss as they rush into a meeting. Choose your timing wisely. Is your boss always cranky after the big weekly sales meeting? Maybe they’re always distracted after lunch. Pick a time when you know you will have your boss’s undivided attention for at least ten minutes.

Be careful how you ask

When you’re seeking feedback your delivery is very important. You don’t want to sound underconfident or unsure of your own abilities. Don’t say ”How am I doing?”. Instead, say something like ”I really think I am doing a good job on the ___ project. Is there anything I can do to keep improving?”. Make it clear that you’re interested in self-development.

Be specific

Think about the three main areas that you would like guidance on. Write them down. This will help you to get the most out of your feedback session. It will also show your boss that you respect their time because you have come prepared.

Set up regular feedback

If you want to add more structure to your feedback then arrange a weekly or monthly catchup session with your boss. These short check-ins will help you to quickly correct any behaviours that may be affecting your performance before it’s too late.

Don’t get defensive

Dealing with negative feedback isn’t easy. We all want to think that we’re doing a stellar job (even if that’s not always the case). If your boss hits you with some serious constructive criticism during your review don’t block it out or become defensive. Listen to what they have to say and take it on board. How else will you improve?

Record everything

During your session make sure that you take notes. It’s very easy to forget a point or focus on the negatives later on. If you have a record of what was actually said then you will be able to track your progress. Keep a record of accomplishments. This will give you evidence that you can use the next time you’re negotiating a raise.


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Author Alice Murray

Alice Murray is a Content Creator at Jobbio with a passion for Employer Branding and Graduate Culture. She's a keen traveller and a self-proclaimed lazy runner.

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