CAREER · FEEDBACK
How to ask your manager for feedback (and get a useful answer)
"Any feedback for me?" almost always gets "No, all good." Specific questions get specific answers.
Questions that work
What is one thing I could do differently in [project]?
In yesterday’s presentation, what landed and what did not?
What is one skill that would make the biggest difference for me this year?
If you were in my role, what would you stop doing?
How to react
- Say thank you, even if it stings.
- Ask one follow-up question for an example.
- Do not defend or explain on the spot.
- Tell them later what you changed.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
What if the feedback is unfair?
Thank them, take a day, then come back with questions and examples. Arguing in the moment usually ends the feedback for good.
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