As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, Future Force knows most workers don’t go out of their way to elicit feedback from their bosses. But you should. Why? At the end of the day, it can help you grow and improve in your job – and ultimately in your career.
But if your manager doesn’t regularly offer input and feedback, how do you go about asking for it? Here are 4 tips to help you:
1. Schedule a meeting.
Meet with your boss and be straightforward about the fact that you want more feedback. You can simply say something like: “I really value your insight and am looking for ways to do a better job and be more effective.” If your boss’s response is vague or doesn’t offer you any insight, get more specific. Ask for one or two areas you can focus on to improve.
2. Touch base about certain projects.
Besides asking about your overall performance, talk about specific projects and tasks. For instance, you can bring up Project X and say something like “I had some trouble in this area. What would you have done differently?”
3. Discuss your future.
Tell your manager where you see your career going next year and in the next five years. Ask for his or her advice on what you can do to achieve those objectives. For instance, ask about the skills you need to work on in order to advance, or what training or certifications you might need to get ahead. Also, ask about what challenges your boss sees standing in your way and advice for overcoming them.
4. Don’t get defensive.
So some of the input your boss gives you is negative. Whatever you do, don’t get defensive or react badly. Nobody likes to be criticized. However, when you don’t know your weaknesses, how can you improve? Plus, if you get upset and get carried away, your boss isn’t going to want to offer you critical feedback going forward. So whatever happens, be pleasant and professional and thank your boss for his or her insight and advice.
It’s not an easy task to ask for someone’s opinion on your work. However, it’s essential for career development. While it might not be painless, it can help you get ahead in your career.
Are you ready to get ahead in a new job? Call Future Force. As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, Future Force can hep improve your resume and your interview skills, all so you can find a Miami job that is a great fit for you. Take the next step in your career. Contact us today to learn more.