Why Leaders Don’t Seek Feedback

You don’t seek feedback because you care. It feels personal. Besides, you already beat yourself down.

Giving feedback is easier than seeking it.

Mastery is an act of service, not insecurity.

Growth requires input. When leaders grow, everyone around them gets better. Reject comfort. Choose improvement.

When was the last time you showed up saying, “I’d like your feedback?”

5 Ways to Seek Feedback Like a Pro

#1. Make it About Others

• What’s one thing I could do to help you move forward?
• What should I do more of?
• What should I do less of?

#2. Make it Immediate

At the end of a meeting ask:

• What worked in our meeting?
• What could I do to make our next meeting even better?

#3. Anchor to Values

Suppose your team’s value statement includes, “Define success through the customer’s eyes.”

• What am I doing that proves I define success through the customer’s eyes?
• How am I helping you define success through the customer’s eyes?

#4. Explain Intent

I intend for meetings to end with clear action items.

• What worked?
• What could I try next time?

#5. Seek Input Before You Act 

Input is most potent before you act.

Suppose you’re preparing for a tough conversation. Send your plan to a coach or boss:

• What works?
• What could be better?
• What might I add?

Bonus: Make the good better. Don’t limit improvement to weaknesses. Invite feedback to improve what you do well.

Humility fuels transformation.

Tip: Eliminate obligation by using plural. Say, “I’m seeking feedback from several people. I wonder what you think.”

Which action item can you put into practice today?

How to Practice Feedback-Seeking and Take Your Career to the Next Level

Humility and self-reflection strengthen leaders for challenges. Click here to check out, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership. Learn the power of structured self-reflection.