I stopped asking for general feedback and started asking one specific question

For months, I'd end my weekly check-ins with my boss by asking 'Any feedback for me?' and I'd get a vague 'Keep it up.' Last month, I switched to asking 'What's one thing I could have done better on the Smith account report?' That same day, she pointed out my data charts were too cluttered and showed me a cleaner format. That single tip has already made my last three client decks look way more professional. Has anyone else found a better way to get useful advice at work?

3 comments

3 Comments

riley_taylor1mo ago

Have you tried asking about a specific upcoming task instead of a past one? Like, "For the presentation next week, what's the biggest risk you see in my current plan?" That forces forward-looking advice.

murphy.linda1mo ago

Wow, I always asked for feedback on old stuff. This is way better.

jessica_hall491mo agoMost Upvoted

Hold up, that forward-looking thing sounds good in theory but it's a trap. People are way better at spotting flaws in something that already happened versus guessing future problems. Asking about next week's plan just gets you vague guesses, but asking about last month's failed project gets you concrete, painful lessons. You learn more from actual messes than imaginary ones.