At one point in time, everyone has been “new on the job.” And regardless of whether you’re just entering the workforce or an experienced industry pro, it’s important that you have a strong showing professionally in the first weeks and months working for your new employer.
Even though you may know that you’re trying your best, it’s impossible for you to objectively evaluate your performance, which is why you need the people around you to tell you in clear and concise terms how you’re actually performing. You need this type of feedback so that you know what you’re doing well, as well as where you need to put in the extra effort.
But you need to do this in a manner that doesn’t make you seem pushy and overeager. You also must allow for your employer and your colleagues to be comfortable enough to share their honest opinions with you.
So, how do you go about getting great feedback?
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Don’t Ask Too Early
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It’s okay to be enthusiastic about wanting to do a great job. Just don’t be impatient with needing to know how you’re doing. Getting to know someone takes time, so it’s advisable that you at least 30 to 60 days before asking for your first round of feedback.
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Be Polite and Follow Due Process
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Keep in mind that even the way you ask for feedback may factor into the assessment that’s shared with you. With your employer, respect the chain of command by scheduling a meeting before asking for your boss’s opinion about how you’re doing on the job. This way, your employer can witness firsthand how professionally you handle yourself, and also recognize your commitment to doing a good job. This, in turn, may result in additional time, attention and resources that will help you on your quest to be better.
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Include Co-workers
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There’s no such thing as too much feedback. Feedback from colleagues can be particularly valuable, as they’ll see you in a completely different point of view than your boss. This is especially helpful if your coworkers have been working there a lot longer than you since they’ll be able to share useful tips on how to better navigate the workplace and avoid potential pitfalls.
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Use the Feedback You Receive
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The best way to keep receiving feedback is if your employer and colleagues see you implementing changes based on previous feedback you’ve received. This will keep them invested in you, and encourage meaningful dialogue about your job performance moving forward.
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