Getting feedback from the rest of your team is essential as a leader. You can make the process of requesting feedback from your team a graceful affair by following this 3-step plan:
- Begin by telling your direct report that you’re open to feedback and that their contribution is essential to meeting your business goals. This truth makes them feel important and improves your leadership skills.
- The next step is to anticipate any fear they might have of giving feedback to a superior. Demonstrate humility and honesty by saying, “I know that it can feel uncomfortable to give feedback to your boss. I have the same hesitation when my boss asks me for feedback. Let me reassure you that I see your willingness to give me helpful feedback—even if it’s negative—as one of your professional assets. Show that you’re self-aware by giving constructive feedback about yourself first. This will dispel their fear of offending you or hurting your feelings. For example, you might say, “Others have shared with me that I can be slow and methodical in my work, often prioritising accuracy over action.”
- Finally, tell your direct report what you plan to do with the feedback they give you. Laying out a plan of action will help them trust that you want to implement their input.
This tip is adapted from “How to Encourage Your Team to Give You Honest Feedback” by Deborah Grayson Riegel.
