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Use feedback to improve

Asking for feedback is one of the most important things you can do to excel in a new role.

Feedback helps you understand what you are doing well, where you can improve, and how you can become more effective in your role. People who regularly ask for feedback often develop their skills much more quickly because they are continuously learning from those around them. No one expects you to know everything from day one.

Tips for asking for feedback:

  • Be specific
    • Rather than asking "How am I doing?", try asking "How could I improve my communication with customers?" or "What could I do differently next time?"
    • Specific questions often lead to more useful answers.
  • Ask politely and at an appropriate time
    • Choose a moment when the person is not rushed or distracted.
    • You could say, "When you have a few minutes, I'd really appreciate some feedback on how I handled that task."
  • Listen with an open mind
    • Don't become defensive if you hear something you weren't expecting.
    • Remember it's an opportunity to learn and improve.
  • Thank the person for their feedback
    • They've taken time out of their day to help you improve, so it's important to acknowledge this.
  • Take action
    • Feedback is most valuable when you use it to improve.
    • Think about one or two practical changes you can make based on what you've learned.

The Start/Stop/Continue method

Depending on your workplace, you might find it easier to ask for feedback in a more structured format. The Start/Stop/Continue method is one simple way.

  • Start
    • What's one thing I should start doing?
  • Stop
    • What's one thing I should stop doing?
  • Continue
    • What's one thing I should continue doing because it's working?

You're not alone if you feel a little uncomfortable asking for feedback. But remember, it demonstrates initiative, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to improve. All things employers value.

Sue Olivier
Feedback is a gift. When I think of some of the people who have truly thrived in my organisation, it's those that are hungry for feedback, that keep coming and asking for it. They take it like it's liquid gold and don't just sit with it. Instead they think, it's something that I'm going to apply, I'm going to test, I'm going to figure out how to pivot if I need to. When I think of my rock stars, it's those guys.

Sue Olivier, Africa Head of Natural Resources and Utilities Practice, Accenture

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