Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

Here's how you can actively solicit feedback from your boss to enhance your performance.

Improving your performance at work isn't just about putting in more hours or taking on more projects. It's also about understanding how your boss perceives your work and where you can improve. Actively soliciting feedback from your boss is an essential part of professional growth, especially in engineering management, where projects are complex and teamwork is crucial. By engaging in open communication, you can gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement, align better with your boss's expectations, and demonstrate your commitment to your role and the organization.

1 Schedule Time

To ensure that you receive comprehensive feedback, schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your boss. Use these sessions to discuss your progress, address any concerns, and ask for specific feedback on recent projects or tasks. By setting aside dedicated time for these conversations, you show your boss that you're serious about your professional development and respect their time. This approach also creates a structured opportunity for your boss to provide you with constructive criticism and praise, which can be more thoughtful and detailed than off-the-cuff remarks.

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2 Prepare Questions

Before meeting with your boss, prepare a list of targeted questions that encourage constructive feedback. Ask about specific aspects of your recent work, such as project management, team collaboration, or technical execution. Inquire how you could have approached a problem differently or what you can do to improve your performance in future tasks. Tailoring your questions shows that you're actively reflecting on your work and are eager to learn from your experiences. It also helps your boss focus their feedback on areas that are most valuable to your professional growth.

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Bajrang Panigrahi

Engineering Manager @ TriNet | Engineering Leader Specializing in Global DevOps, Cloud Infrastructure & Security | Database Enthusiast
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What I would recommend is to be specific and ask for feedback on particular areas to get detailed insights while you setup the call with your leader. Set the context and try asking targeted questions like “Can you provide feedback on my approach to problem-solving in our last project?” Setting clear objectives has really helped. Understand what you want to achieve with the feedback. Examples: looking to improve a particular skill, validate an idea, or identify blind spots?

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3 Embrace Criticism

When you receive feedback, embrace it—even if it's critical. Approach these discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Remember, the goal is to improve your performance, not to defend it. Listen carefully to what your boss has to say, ask for clarification if needed, and avoid becoming defensive. By accepting criticism gracefully, you demonstrate maturity and a genuine desire to excel in your role. This attitude can lead to more honest and productive conversations in the future.

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4 Act on Feedback

After receiving feedback, it's crucial to act on it. Create an action plan detailing how you will address the areas of improvement identified by your boss. Whether it's developing new skills, adjusting your approach to teamwork, or refining your project management techniques, showing that you're taking steps to improve reassures your boss that their input is valued. Additionally, follow up with your boss to discuss the changes you've made and seek further guidance. This demonstrates accountability and a continuous commitment to your personal and professional development.

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Andrew Belyakov

Engineering Manager | Strategic Leader | Cloud/DevOps Expert || 3 x MSc: Engineering, Business, Finance
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After being open-minded in receiving feedback, the second most important principle is to improve on it, meaning that you use every piece of information provided to adjust your behaviour and approach, trying to make - even if small - enhancements right away.

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5 Reflect Regularly

In addition to soliciting feedback from your boss, take time to reflect on your own performance regularly. Self-assessment can help you identify patterns in the feedback you receive and track your progress over time. Consider keeping a journal or log where you record the feedback from your boss, your reflections on it, and the steps you're taking to improve. This practice not only enhances self-awareness but also prepares you for future discussions with your boss, making them more productive and focused.

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6 Communicate Progress

Finally, keep your boss informed about your progress. Share updates on the steps you've taken to address their feedback and the outcomes of those actions. This communication can be done during your scheduled one-on-one meetings or through brief updates in between. By keeping the lines of communication open, you reinforce the idea that you're actively working on your professional development. It also provides an opportunity for your boss to offer additional support or resources that could further aid your growth.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can actively solicit feedback from your boss to enhance your performance.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Schedule Time

2 Prepare Questions

3 Embrace Criticism

4 Act on Feedback

5 Reflect Regularly

6 Communicate Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Engineering Management

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Here's how you can actively solicit feedback from your boss to enhance your performance.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Schedule Time

2 Prepare Questions

3 Embrace Criticism

4 Act on Feedback

5 Reflect Regularly

6 Communicate Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Engineering Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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