Let's Get Uncomfortable: How to Ask For and Process Feedback

Learn how to ask for and process feedback like a pro, from identifying your goals to creating an action plan and being open to growth and improvement.

Key takeaways
  • Ask yourself what your goals are before asking for feedback, and make sure everyone you ask knows what they are.
  • Don’t rely solely on anonymous feedback surveys, but use a mix of formats, such as short interviews and surveys.
  • When asking for feedback, make sure you’re open to hearing the perspective and are looking for honest feedback.
  • Don’t assume you know what someone will say, and be prepared to listen to negative or unexpected feedback.
  • When you get feedback, don’t try to react or respond immediately; take time to process and analyze it instead.
  • Divide the feedback into three categories: things you’re already doing well, things you need to improve on, and things outside the scope of your role.
  • Create an action plan based on the feedback, and prioritize the things that are most important or urgent.
  • Get feedback from a variety of people, including colleagues, managers, and clients, to get a well-rounded view of your performance.
  • Use a combination of feedback methods, such as one-on-one conversations and surveys, to get a complete picture of your performance.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable or challenging; it’s a critical part of growth and improvement.
  • Take the time to analyze the feedback and determine what you can learn from it, and what you need to work on.
  • Be open to feedback and willing to make changes based on what you learn.
  • Don’t try to take all the feedback at once; process it slowly and thoughtfully, and prioritize the most important changes.