How to Get Constructive Feedback From Your Boss

The Scenario

Last week, a client asked:

I’ve worked for 10 years, and the only feedback I’ve ever gotten is “You’re doing great. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

Am I doing something wrong? How do I get my manager to give me actual feedback that I can work with?

Why are managers terrible at giving feedback?

It doesn’t surprise me that many of you, including my client, isn’t getting constructive feedback.

Most managers simply don’t know how to give good feedback. They don’t say anything because they:

• Don’t know what to say

• Don’t know how to phrase the feedback

• Don’t want to hurt your feelings

The Solution

Instead of asking the usual “Do you have feedback for me?” try this instead:

• “Who’s someone you are impressed with?”

• “What’s the number one thing that makes them so impressive?”

• “How does my skill in X (the response for number one thing) compare to that person’s X?”

I guarantee you’ll find this approach more effective.