Just Ask

Guide – Asking Feedback

In creating this culture of feedback, ASKING is the most important as it creates a safe environment
for both parties because permission has been given. It’s also important to ask for more detailed or
specific feedback after your initial ask in order to gain further information or clarity. Be curious in
your asking to encourage powerful conversations.

When Asking for Feedback:

Be specific and narrowly-focused in your request for feedback. Use targeted questions
on what you want to develop or focus on. Asking ‘How did my presentation go’ won’t give
Ask targeted
you the information you need like ‘Did my presentation hit the key messages and do you
think it landed?’ Feel free to ask for ideas and suggestions as well.

Ask what you can do better going forward as opposed to what you did wrong in the past.
Simple questions such as “What do I need to build on?’” can help the giver target their
feedback on future. This will give you concrete ideas on how you can do even better
going forward.
Future Focus
Asking before an event is a good idea so you can get the information you need. For
example, “I’m working on my eye contact in presentations. Can you pay attention to that
and give me some feedback afterwards?” This way it is quick and easy for both giver and
receiver.

Don’t just ask once. Give people multiple opportunities to give you real feedback, to
Ask often increase the chances they’ll feel comfortable doing so. Asking for a fresh perspective
doesn’t need to take a lot of time, it can be a quick request.

Seek feedback from a range of sources to get a balanced view and reduce bias. Think
about who are the most relevant people to ask.
Ask broadly It should not just be your manager that you ask for input but also other people you work
with closely such as your project team members, project manager, direct reports, peers,
clients.

Try this…

Tempted to Say Say instead Then Ask…

Can you give me some feedback on
how I’m doing?
I’ve been working on supporting the
team by spending more time in coach
mode rather than telling mode. Would
you be willing to give me some
feedback on your experience around
that?
• Thanks for that. Can you explain a
bit more a about….?
• That suggestion you had around
timing was good. Can you give me
a specific example of how I might do
that better next time?

More information? Visit the GPS Intranet Site.