Business publications are filled with articles about feedback: how important it is for leaders, how leaders can both give and receive it, what happens when leaders don’t get it, and even what to do if someone is not open to feedback they have been given. The focus tends to be on the transfer of data.
6 Steps Leaders Can Take to Get the Most Out of Feedback
The current process ends too soon.
September 10, 2019
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Summary.
Most leaders only use 25% of the feedback they are given. To access the other 75%, there are a few steps you can take. After you receive feedback, talk it through with a trusted partner. Find someone who is trustworthy and is not in a role to evaluate your performance. Their job is to listen carefully and help you sort through your thoughts. Next, draft a development plan. This should include a summary of the feedback, any questions you have, the steps you want to take to improve, and what help you might need to accomplish them. Share this plan with your feedback providers, and use the opportunity to ask them any lingering questions. Finally, take action, and commit to checking in on your progress every few months.
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HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.