14/11/2024
Feedback. Let’s be real—many of us dread the thought of it. But here’s the thing: good feedback is absolutely critical for career success. Did you know that a lack of feedback—or worse, inadequate feedback—can actually derail your career? Here are four reasons why, and how it might be holding you back more than you realise.
Increased uncertainty. Without feedback, it’s tough to know if you’re meeting expectations or missing the mark. This can cause self-doubt and make it harder to stay focused.
Lack of direction. When feedback is unclear, you’re left guessing what actually matters. This can mean you’re spending time on things that aren’t moving you toward your goals (... or those of the organisation). Over time, this can lead to burnout and frustration.
Unrecognised effort. Without feedback, it’s easy to feel like your efforts are invisible. You're likely to lose motivation and energy.
No path for growth. Without meaningful feedback, it’s hard to know where to improve. You might start to feel stuck with no clear path forward.
If you want more useful feedback, here are some things to consider:
Be specific. Instead of asking, “How am I doing?” try, “Can you share your thoughts on my recent project and areas where I could improve?” or “What strengths do you see in my work that I should build on?” If you have already identified a development goal already, you might ask, "This year, I want to develop .... Did you have any feedback from my recent project that might help me with this?"
Request regular check-ins. If feedback only comes at annual reviews, suggest monthly or quarterly check-ins with the person you report to. These don’t have to be formal—just short sessions to discuss your progress, goals, and any adjustments you could make.
Seek diverse perspectives. The best insights come from those working alongside you—not just the person you report to. Ask for feedback from a trusted peer, or a client / customer. Diverse feedback can offer fresh perspectives and actionable insights from those in your sphere of influence.