7 Keys to Giving Your Boss Effective Feedback
Giving your boss feedback can be challenging. Appear too critical of your boss, and you can come across as argumentative, unsupportive, or not a team player. You may have the right intention, but you appear to be a problem, not part of the solution.
Effectively give your boss feedback by putting these seven ideas into practice:
1. Avoid public criticism
Look for opportunities to discuss the issue one-on-one with your boss. Criticizing your boss in an open forum rarely ends well.
2. Declare your intent
Don’t make your boss assume your intentions. Clearly state why you share your thoughts and how you hope they are received.
3. Offer suggestions, not solely criticism
Criticizing is easy. Trolls on the internet do it all day long. Provide suggestions or alternatives for your boss to consider.
4. Demonstrate loyalty
Talk to your boss, not about your boss. Don’t host a meeting after the meeting to tell others why your boss is wrong. Be loyal when he is and isn’t present.
5. Recognize that your boss has feelings too
Your boss’s ego could be closely connected to the idea you address. Keep that in mind and treat her like you would like to be treated.
6. Speak up
Failing to share your thoughts can be worse than poorly conveying them. Don’t sit by and watch your boss fail. Step up and speak up.
7. Be direct but respectful
When you do address the issue, don’t be cagey or coy. Explain your concerns clearly, but do so in a respectful tone and manner.
Make it a great day!
Patrick
Patrick Leddin, PhD is a speaker, global leadership consultant, and The Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Five-Week Leadership Challenge. Patrick is an Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University with a thriving leadership blog and podcast, and 25-years of leadership experience. He offers an unparalleled mix of academic rigor and real-world experience.
