Why feedback is helpful for your professional development
Published
In business, feedback is the breakfast of champions. Feedback “feeds” us. It is at the top of the food pyramid for learning and professional development. How often do you ask for feedback?
Feedback can be humbling, it can open our eyes, and it can make us aware of things we are simply “blind” to. But if we don't ask for it, we usually don't get it - especially not in a constructive form. Many or most people give us positive feedback, but very few give us honest, open feedback that focuses on how we can improve, how we can get better, or things we SHOULD change or do differently.
Make ASKING for feedback a habit
Get feedback from others:
- After a session you attended
- After a presentation
- Following a networking event
- Whenever you stand in front of others
Ask an observer (a colleague, a friend, a peer, a direct report), the mentor, a panel member, or a participant):
- How did you do overall?
- Was your message clear?
- Were you able to listen well?
- Does your body language match your message?
- Have you sought other people's opinions?
- Did you respect each other's time?
- Did you leave a positive impression?
- Were you friendly?
When you seek feedback, you send a clear message that you care, that personal excellence is important to you, and that learning and improving is a priority for you. Feedback is an extremely effective learning tool, but like any other tool, it will do you no good if it stays in your toolbox. Use it. Ask for feedback often. Make it a habit and you will thrive as a professional.
If you're looking for more ways to further your professional development, we can help.
