Perhaps after reading about getting the right kind of feedback and how to
get it you will leave your thoughts at the end with a comment or
two.

Asking for feedback is a great way to get information from others that helps
us make improvements on any number of projects or situations.
Recently, I
was looking for feedback and asked my peer the following:
“I’ve attached the
two ads that I spoke to you about when we met. If you have a moment, could you
please take a look at both and give me your feedback?”
This was her
response:
“I do not like either. The image looks very phony to me. But if I
have to choose, I would choose the one with the special introductory
offer.”
Having asked her to clarify what she meant by “phony,” so I could
find an image that looked “less phony,” she responded that she doesn’t like stock photography.
It was obvious
to me at this point that I wasn’t clear regarding the kind of information I
wanted from her. This resulted in her giving me her opinion, not constructive
feedback.
The purpose of constructive feedback is to provide timely, honest,
useful comments and suggestions that contribute to a better process, result or
improved behaviors.
I realize now that when I’m asking for feedback, I have
to ask specifically for the information I need for the purpose of improving.
It’s my responsibility to guide them to provide me with the type of information
that I seek to make the result better.
Ask Specific Questions, Get Specific
Answers
I should have asked specific questions for feedback, such as:
Is
the ad eye-catching? Would it be seen in a sea of other ads and newspaper copy?
What could be done to make it more noticeable?
Is the wording effective? Do
some sentences flow poorly? What could improve it?
Is the ad an appropriate
size to be seen easily in the newspaper? If not, what would be better?
In
addition to the specific questions you’d like answered, ask for any additional
comments, suggestions, or observations they may have which your questions might
have overlooked.
Make Sure You Ask the Right Person.
When considering
what kind of feedback you want, let that lead you to the person who is best
suited to respond. Choose people who can provide you with the most valuable,
actionable feedback possible. It can take some thought to determine who they
are, but it’s well worth it.
Understanding what it is that you want from the
person giving feedback helps them respond more effectively and provide you with
the information you need to improve.

About the Author:

Laurie Wilhelm is the author of Express Yourself to Success. This website and
eBooks are designed to help you achieve success faster by using strong verbal
communications skills. Achieve your success by working with others through
improved social and interpersonal skills, public speaking, networking,
negotiation, and conflict resolution. Find out how you can boost your career by
going to www.expressyourselftosuccess.com.

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