Getting quality feedback is challenging when you are in a leadership position. How do you know if you are doing a good job? Here are 4 strategies for getting honest feedback from those around you:
- Consider asking trusted peers and colleagues for constructive feedback instead of your employees. Employees might feel reluctant or vulnerable, regardless of how safe you make them feel.
- Ask specific questions and bring up particular situations, rather than asking general questions like "how am I doing?". Even better, ask proactively for others to observe you in a particular situation and provide feedback.
- Seed the conversation with your own critical thinking about your performance by mentioning a skill or behavior that you are working on.
- Always listen and express appreciation for the feedback, even if it's hard to hear or not delivered perfectly. Rejecting the feedback will erode trust with the other person.
For information on how to deliver effective feedback, check out this tip sheet - https://www.aamc.org/media/44381/download.
------------------------------
Shira Kaplan
Program Manager of Leadership Development
Association of American Medical Colleges
------------------------------