SUCCEED WITH STYLE: Have You Asked for Feedback Lately?

SUCCEED WITH STYLE: Have You Asked for Feedback Lately?

Constructive criticism; sometimes we want it and sometimes we’d prefer to stick our head in the sand and simply ignore it. When it comes to your career, feedback can be a critical component. It’s important to know how your boss, peers, colleagues, vendors and even customers perceive you. Do you know what words they use to describe you to others? If you don’t, I suggest you find out soon.

Here are some tips that can get you started:

Make a list of people that can provide helpful feedback about you or your company. Include a cross section of people; peers, colleagues, current boss, former managers, direct reports, and people outside your company like vendors and customers.

Figure out exactly what you want to know and craft the questions so they are easy to answer.

Create a formal survey in either email using a survey tool like Survey Monkey. Include an introduction explaining your goals for asking for feedback.

Give the participants a week to ten days to respond. Follow up with those that have not responded.

Send a thank you to everyone who participates.

Analyze the data and create an action plan to address the feedback.

Follow up with the people who participated and share your action plan.

The key to success with this process is to track your progress. Conduct a follow up survey about three months after you have implemented your plan. The results will tell you if you achieving your goals!

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder. For more information, visit www.eleve-style.com.