Keeping a line of communication open with your manager is critical to success in the workplace. Having a conversation with your boss about your job performance can be nerve-racking, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are three strategies for getting the most out of your manager’s feedback.
Be Open to Feedback
Meeting with your manager for feedback is necessary whether you’re new to your job or have been there for a while. Welcoming feedback can demonstrate your willingness to grow in areas where you need to improve, correct, or strengthen your job effectiveness. Prepare for your meeting with the idea that you won’t only get a glowing report on your performance.
To help improve your work, your manager may also wish to discuss some areas for growth. For example, if you work in a high-productivity environment like a warehouse, your manager may suggest you do some additional training. Job requirements often change in a typical warehouse environment, so employees who can readily adapt will always be valued. Whether you receive praise or comments to improve a process in your role, feedback should help you positively develop as a member of your department and the organization.
Summarize and Reflect on the Feedback
At your meeting with your manager, be an active listener. Let your manager know that you’ll be taking notes based on the feedback during the meeting. Reiterate what your manager told you at the end of the meeting to ensure that you are both on the same page. If you leave the meeting feeling confused or without clear expectations, it could have an impact on your future performance down the road. After the meeting, set aside some time in your day or week to reflect on the conversation and how you can begin implementing the new feedback right away or in the next few weeks and months.
Keep the Feedback Discussion Ongoing
Along with receiving feedback, your manager may want to make the conversation a two-way street. Schedule time on your manager’s calendar to discuss your progress and see if your manager would be open to receiving feedback on their end. Because calendars fill up quickly, you may need to take the initiative at some point to arrange a time. It may be best to meet with your manager in person or virtually, depending on the nature of the meeting.
Being receptive to your manager’s input is a terrific way to build a strong working relationship. Establish a relationship with your manager in which you know the feedback is coming from a positive place. Remember to express gratitude to your manager for taking the time to talk to you about your performance. You never know, it might just help you advance in the future.
Do you have any other tips for handling feedback from your manager? Let us know in the comments section below!
Comments
Meet with manager to see how you’re doing on the job or what you need to do to improve. Listen to what your manager has to say and take notes. Make sure it’s ok and make feedback with your manager by giving your opinion and seeing if your manager is ok with it.