How to Request and Embrace Constructive Criticism
You want to be good at your job and impress your managers – but sometimes it can be hard to tell what your weaknesses are and how to improve. Constructive criticism can be invaluable in helping you to become a better employee, but you may need more of this feedback than you’re currently getting.
If you find yourself feeling adrift and you want more input on how you can improve, consider following these simple tips from Harvard Business Review to help you request and embrace constructive criticism:
- Know what you’re looking for. It’s important to understand your objectives in asking for feedback so you can tailor your approach. For example, if you want an evaluation of how you’re performing on a project, you can go to your boss with a specific request. If you want more general feedback or more acknowledgment, you’d need to take a different approach by asking for more general advice on how you’re doing.
- Ask for real-time feedback. The sooner you ask for advice on how you’re doing after completing a task, the more likely it is you’ll get the direct feedback you’re looking for. It can be much easier for your boss to make time to give you immediate feedback in the aftermath of a project than to have a long conversation, and the project will be fresh in their memory.
- Ask specific questions. When you simply ask if someone has feedback, the answer may be no, and you’ll likely learn little or nothing. Instead, phrase your questions in a more direct way, such as asking “What’s one way I could have improved my presentation.”
You deserve to work for a company where you can grow professionally, and getting the right feedback is an important part of that. If you aren’t sure your current job will provide you with the support and training you need, reach out to SmartTalent to find out how our staffing service can help you to find a position that will offer you what you’re looking for. Give us a call today to get started on your search.
