Happy Monday! As we continue to become more comfortable in the virtual format of working, it’s important to remember the essential piece of performance: feedback. Yes, the topic that looms over each of our minds when we hop on frequent calls with our managers… how can I ask for feedback? Is this the right time? Am I asking in the right way? Well, today, we’re here to solve those problems for you! Learn how to adapt asking for feedback to the virtual format by reading below…

Virtual Feedback Conversations…

• Plan Ahead: And by this, we don’t mean 30 minutes prior to your touch base meetings. Whether you set a weekly, monthly, or even daily cadence regarding your unique feedback loop, make sure to have a plan set in place so that you don’t get flustered when the times comes. By having a consistent rhythm with your manager, you’re set to have much more fluid, candid, and comfortable conversations on a much more consistent basis.
• Target Specific Attributes: Whether this being specific projects, deliverables, skill sets, professional qualities, communication strategies, or any component of your job role, make sure that you guide the conversation in a meaningful way so that you don’t cloud the message by opening up too wide of an umbrella. This will also allow your manager to target specific pieces of your work so that you can drive measurable and visible change based on their recommendations.
• Be Receptive: It’s easy to tell when someone is “listening” without really listening – managers can do the same! So, when you ask for feedback, make sure that you’re actively listening throughout the entire conversation, and following up with questions or points of clarification that relate specifically to what your manager spoke to. By exemplifying true value in what they’re saying and proactively listening, your manager will feel more inclined to mirror your effort with reciprocal feedback and a greater sense of appreciation for taking the time to do so.
• Say Thank You: While you should always thank someone else for taking the time to engage with you no matter what the topic, it’s especially important to thank your manager for feedback and not express any animosity depending on the result. Getting constructive criticism is a part of life, and a vital skill to success is being able to channel those types of messages with action and appreciation.

Feedback is an essential component of every individual’s career. For that reason, it’s crucial to nail down your feedback loop as soon as possible in every position you pursue. Get started today!

Find out a productive Monday plan to get back on track here!