Are you feeling unsure about how you're really doing at work? It could be because you're not getting enough feedback from manager, or maybe you're not asking for it, are you? 

No need to stress—it's completely normal to feel this way. I get that receiving feedback can be a bit uncomfortable for both you and your manager. 

But it's one of those things you have to embrace for your personal and professional growth.

In fact, Gallup found that managers who provide regular and ongoing feedback make their employees 3.2 times more likely to feel motivated to excel at their work and 2.7 times more likely to be engaged.

While much of the focus is often on how to give feedback, knowing how to receive it effectively is just as crucial. The real power lies in how well you process and implement the feedback you get.

In this article, we'll explore why feedback is so essential and offer practical tips on how to request feedback from your manager in a way that truly benefits your career.

Importance of regular feedback from manager

If you truly want to grow and make a difference in your company, there’s nothing more valuable than feedback from your manager. 

Just like a customer feedback loop helps a business refine its products and services, regular feedback from your manager allows you to continuously improve.

It helps you understand where you're excelling and where there's room for growth, so you're never left guessing. Without it, you lose sight of how your work fits into the bigger picture. 

When your manager consistently shares feedback, it keeps you aligned with the company goals and helps you make those small, meaningful adjustments along the way.

It’s also worth noting that feedback isn’t just about correcting mistakes. It’s also about recognizing your strengths and leveraging them to their fullest potential. 

By understanding what you do well, you can double down on those areas and become even more of an asset to your team.

Moreover, when you actively seek and apply feedback, you show a commitment to your personal and professional growth. This attitude is often noticed by leadership and opens up opportunities for advancement and greater responsibility within the company.

So, if you’re not already receiving regular feedback from your manager, take the initiative to ask for it. How, you ask? Read along to find out.

How to request feedback from manager?

Studies show that both the person giving and receiving feedback feel anxious, with receivers sometimes showing signs of stress.

Even though it might be uncomfortable, it shouldn’t stop you from asking for feedback.

Let’s learn how to ask manager for feedback without getting overwhelmed. 

1. Choose the right time and mood (of your manager, of course 😅)

When you ask your boss for feedback, you want to make sure they're in a good mood and have the time to actually give you some helpful advice.

Pick a moment when your manager can give you their full attention. Make sure you avoid times when they’re swamped with work, heading into a meeting, or dealing with a tight deadline.

One of the best times to ask for feedback is during a scheduled one-on-one meeting. These meetings are usually set up for discussing your progress, so it’s a natural moment to bring up feedback. 

If you don’t have a one-on-one scheduled, consider asking for feedback after you’ve completed a significant project or task. This way, the work is fresh in both your and your manager’s mind, and the feedback can be more specific and useful.

2. Set the right tone

When requesting feedback, you want to come across as someone who's eager to learn and grow, not someone who's defensive or just asking for the sake of it. 

Your goal is to create a positive and open environment where your manager feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Yes, in this case, it’s your responsibility.

Clearly state that you’re asking for feedback because you want to improve and develop in your role. Let your manager know that you value their insights and are eager to hear their thoughts. 

For example, you could say, “I’m always looking for ways to improve my work. I would appreciate your feedback to help me grow.”

Stay open and receptive during the conversation. Avoid being defensive or making excuses, as this can shut down the discussion. Instead, listen actively and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.

3. Frame your request for growth

When you solicit feedback, make it clear that you’re looking to improve. Your boss is more likely to be helpful if they see you’re genuinely interested in growing.

Instead of just asking for general feedback, explain that you’re looking for ways to enhance your skills and make a bigger impact at work.

This type of framing shows that you’re not just looking for praise or criticism, but that you genuinely want to identify areas where you can improve. It also reassures your manager that you’re motivated and proactive about your professional development.

4. Ask specific questions

Specific questions give your boss a clear idea of what you want to know, and it helps them give you more helpful answers.

By asking specific questions, you guide the conversation toward the areas that matter most to you. A targeted approach also helps you get detailed feedback that you can immediately apply to your work. 

Here are a few questions you can ask while requesting feedback from manager: 

1. What could I have done differently on the recent project to improve the outcome?

2. Are there any skills you think I should work on to be more effective in my role?

3. How did my communication style come across in the last team meeting?

4. What do you think about how I managed the [task you managed] on the [project]?

5. How can I better support the team in our upcoming project?

6. What steps can I take to prepare for more responsibility in the future?

7. What are some strengths I should continue to build on?

5. Listen and reflect

We often listen to speak and not listen to understand. Don’t do the former.

As you listen, try to understand not just the words they’re saying but also the underlying message. If something isn’t clear, wait until they’ve finished speaking, then ask questions to clarify.

It’s also helpful to jot down key points from the conversation. This way, you can review the feedback later and track your progress over time. 

After the conversation, take some time to reflect on what you’ve heard. Think about how the feedback aligns with your own perception of your work. 

Are there areas you hadn’t considered before? How can you apply this feedback to your day-to-day tasks at work?

If your manager has suggested specific steps for improvement, make a plan to implement them and consider setting up a follow-up discussion on the feedback from manager to check on your progress.

6. Express appreciation

A simple "thank you" goes a long way. It shows that you value their time and their opinion. 

Plus, it makes them more likely to continue providing you with valuable feedback in the future. You don't have to say a whole speech or anything, just a quick, sincere "thank you" will do.

If the feedback was particularly detailed or helpful, consider following up later with a quick update. 

Let them know how you’ve implemented their suggestions and the positive outcomes you’ve seen. It will reinforce your appreciation and keep the lines of communication open.

Now, let’s see how you can initiate this process through an email.

A sample feedback request email

Here’s a feedback request email template you can use: 

“

Subject: Seeking Your Valuable Feedback

Hello [Manager's Name],

I hope you're doing well.

I’m [Your Name], and I’m part of the [Department] team as a [Your Position]. I’m reaching out because I’d love to hear your thoughts on my recent work on [Project] and how I can continue to contribute effectively.

Your feedback means a lot to me, and I’m eager to learn more about where I’m doing well and where I could focus on improving. I believe your insights will be incredibly helpful as I work on growing in my role.

Would you be available for a brief chat sometime this week? I’m flexible and happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you so much for considering this, and I look forward to our conversation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Position]

“

Tips for receiving feedback well

Receiving feedback, especially negative feedback, is challenging, but it’s an important part of growing professionally. 

Here are some practical tips to help you handle feedback constructively:

• Listen actively: Focus on what the person is saying without interrupting. Give them your full attention so you can understand their perspective.

• Avoid defensiveness: It’s natural to feel defensive, but try to keep an open mind. The feedback is meant to help you improve, not criticize you personally.

• Ask clarifying questions: If something isn’t clear, ask questions to understand better. For example, “Can you give me an example of what you mean?” This shows that you’re interested in understanding and improving.

• Take time to process: After receiving feedback, take a moment to reflect on what was said so you may respond to it thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.

• Acknowledge the feedback: Let the person know you appreciate their input. A simple “Thank you for the feedback” goes a long way in showing that you value their opinion.

• Focus on solutions: If the feedback points out areas for improvement, think about how you can address those areas. Ask for suggestions if you’re unsure how to improve.

• Follow up: After some time, check in to see if your efforts to improve have made a difference. The follow-up shows that you’re committed to growth and taking the feedback seriously.

Streamline feedback with Formaloo forms!

Honest feedback from manager helps you grow, improve, and reach your career goals. And while asking for feedback might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, it's a skill worth mastering.

To make the feedback process easier and more effective, consider using Formaloo. 

With Formaloo, you can easily create customized feedback survey forms with various question types, like open-ended or close-ended questions. Simply design your form, attach it to your email, and send it out to gather valuable insights. 

Give Formaloo a shot by signing up here.