5 actions to take when seeking feedback

To fast track our improvement as leaders or managers, receiving feedback is a must. Seeking feedback good or bad will test our character and our sense of self belief. But to grow, is there any other way, given that we all have blind spots and growth areas?

You can’t just sit around and wait for people to give you feedback. Go out and seek it. Begin by identifying people who can give you inspired feedback on:

  • Your Management Style
  • Your Effectiveness
  • Your Lifestyle

1.  Choose the right person to coach you and provide you with feedback on a particular topic – a person whom you really trust.

2.  Set the scene by providing the giver of feedback with as much notice as possible. This will enable them to collect their thoughts and gather together some examples. Begin by explaining what sort of feedback you would like e.g. the feedback topics and how often you would like to schedule discussions.

3.  Take the initiative in building trust. Volunteer information on areas in which you think you could improve. Explain what motivates you and what de-motivates you.

4.  Receive the feedback positively. Don’t become defensive – if you do, the giver will be less inclined to give you feedback next time. Follow what the giver of the feedback says. Show your genuine interest, summarise what they’ve said and ask for specific examples and explanations.

5.  Show your appreciation. Follow at least some of the advice you’ve been given. Let the person know that he/she has made a real difference in your life and thank them.

When you are receiving feedback, ask the giver to cover the three topics denoted by the acronym AID:

A (Actions) - The things you are doing well or poorly in the area being discussed.
I (Impact) - The effect these actions are having.
D (Desired Outcome) - The ways in which you could do things more effectively.

Identify two people from whom you would value feedback. Go ahead ask them, listen, reflect and act.


About Ingrid Aitken Gattari, Achievers Group

Ingrid Aitken Gattari is the wife of Tony Gattari. She is executive director at Achievers Group. Ingrid has a wealth of experience across a number of industries and has worked in the fields of journalism, public relations, counselling and administration. Ingrid is highly qualified and has a degree in communication (journalism), a diploma in public relations and community services. Ingrid specialises as a trainer, facilitator and coach is the areas of team work, personal development and conflict resolution.

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