4 Ways to Get Honest, Critical Feedback from Your Employees

It’s important as a leader to understand how you are perceived by those you manage but unfortunately too many managers aren’t self-aware. You may feel like you’re getting the feedback you need from a formal 360 but that’s rarely not enough. Instead, be sure to ask directly for input on your leadership and encourage people on your team to raise concerns, even if they contradict your positions. Learn to read nonverbal cues. They can provide a steady stream of useful feedback about how your words and actions are being received, even if people aren’t willing to tell you what they think. Watch for self-justifying or self-soothing narratives you might tell yourself, such as “They understand that you get a little impatient sometimes, but they know it’s because you really care.” Lastly, be sure you know your triggers. Perhaps you react defensively when confronted with mistakes or become sarcastic or passive-aggressive when you don’t get your way. Let people know that you’re aware of these foibles and ask them to call you out when you engage in bad behavior.