Focus on ‘how’ and ‘what’ questions

Feedback has always been a way of learning how I can improve my performance at work and private life. However, I was a bit afraid of the answer and sometimes I didn’t understand what the other person was saying.

At first it was a feeling of fear and that fear was transformed usually into relief. I was hearing what I wanted. A positive feedback, but was that really helping me?

I am looking for more advice since I started my techie path. I guess this is part of the process of getting better day by day. Asking for guidance is just one part of the action although I think it’s important to write about it today.

If we want to grow we need to learn and receive suggestions. Feedback is an invaluable way of re-focus our goals and get into the right direction. Have you ever thought how often do you receive it? The more suggestions you ask the more comfortable you are with the answers.

But first of all, we need to think what kind of tips you’re looking for because not all of them are the same. At this point it’s good to narrow your scope.

Are you looking for appreciation or acknowledgement? Do you need advice about a specific project or a task?

If you ask specific questions you will receive the best advice. Don’t try with yes/no questions as these won’t give you information about your performance. Instead use ‘how’ and ‘what’ questions. They will provide the information you need in order to improve. In case their answer is not clear or vague, you can always ask for examples.

The feedback you receive should be specific, timely (in real time) and meaningful. If you don’t receive it this way, ask another person who can help you tie directly into your goals.

Another thing to take into account is the importance of who you should ask for feedback. In the context of an office, it’s true you can ask your boss, your clients or your colleagues, but sometimes it’s not that easy to approach them.

The best people to ask are your colleagues or junior staff. In order to make this process easier you can give them feedback from time to time too. For sure they’ll be happy to get more if you give first.

Feedback is a gift. Ideas are the currency of our next success. Let
people see you value both feedback and ideas. Jim Trinka and Les Wallace

You must be open-minded in order to attract the best suggestions and listen without judgement. What you’ll win with this behavior is an honest advice. If you don’t, they’ll only be polite.

Always remember that feedback is only telling you how you’re perceived, not who you are. And you don’t always have to assume that the advice is right. People can be wrong and this is something you have to bear in mind when you’re looking for opinion.

Tying it all together

Next time I have to ask for feedback, I will think well how I should do my approach. Now I have the tools to take advantage of this daring act.

• Ask yourself what kind of feedback you need.

• Use ‘how’ and ‘what’ questions to receive high quality answers.

• Choose well who you’re asking feedback to. Colleagues and junior staff can be good allies.

• Listen without judgement to receive an honest feedback.

I would like to know how others approach this topic. What are your needs when you want to get feedback? Is there any way of giving it that can be beneficial for both parts?