Am I doing good work? Elaine Varelas provides guidance on asking for feedback
Sometimes we all need a little reassurance that we're doing a good job. So how do you ask for feedback, whether it's good or bad, when you're working for someone who doesn't generally offer it freely? Elaine Varelas provides guidance on how to ask, and suggests alternative sources as well.
Q: My boss is a person of few words. No feedback typically means good feedback, but I started a new project that I’m unsure of and I want to hear his thoughts on my work, whether it’s positive or constructive, because I want to do a good job. What’s the best way to request constructive feedback from someone who doesn’t normally give much? A:
You’re actually lucky that you have enough experience with your boss to know that no feedback typically means good feedback. That isn’t always the case. Employees benefit from feedback and information from their managers recognizing work they’ve done well, and helping provide them with constructive ideas. Initiating a conversation with your boss will be the best way to develop communication with him that serves you well, gives you additional information about how you’re doing, and doesn’t prove too taxing on him.
In the conversation, you can begin by recognizing, “We’ve worked together long enough that when I don’t hear from you I know all is good, but for this new project I’d like more feedback to ensure that I’m delivering what you want.” You can ask for formal or informal arrangements with a regular review of how things are going in a way that isn’t too much for him but will help you continue to do a great job. He may reassure you by saying, “You’ll hear from me when I’m not happy.” To that, your reply can be, “I’d like to hear from you when you’re happy and when you’re not happy, especially for this project since it is different from much of my work.” Having that kind of reassurance on an infrequent but regular basis is a great way to further develop a relationship with your manager.
Recognizing that he is a man of few words, you could alternatively offer him email updates on the project to which he can reply at his convenience. Often times, people with busy schedules become too entrenched in their work to return communications during the day; they may wait to return voicemails, calls, or emails after hours, and in that way, he may be able to give you the feedback you need.
Some people want way too much feedback to the point of being needy, and to be a true professional you have to be able to pat your own back a little bit. Internalize the recognition and don’t be afraid to feel silly – say it out loud to yourself when you know you’ve done good work. You can also work with your team and other colleagues to get what you need. Try to recognize each other’s good work to create an additional dialogue that way as well.
