Asking for Feedback
This was my question to my peer when I was requesting feedback from her:
“I’ve attached the two ads that I spoke to you about when we met. If you have a moment, could you please take a look at both and give me your feedback?”
This was her response:
“I do not like either. The image looks very phony to me. But if I have to choose, I would choose the one with the special introductory offer.”
Obviously, I wasn’t clear regarding the kind of information I wanted from her; she gave me her opinion, not constructive feedback.
Constructive Feedback
The purpose of constructive feedback is to provide timely, honest, useful comments and suggestions that contribute to a positive outcome, a better process or improved behaviours.
I realize now that when I’m asking for feedback, I have to ask specifically for the information I need for the purpose of improving. It’s my responsibility to guide them to provide me with the type of information that I seek to make the result better.
Ask Specific Questions, Get Specific Answers
I should have been more clear about what kind of information I required from her by asking specific questions for feedback, such as:
- Is the ad eye-catching?
- Would it be seen in a sea of other ads and newspaper copy?
- What could be done to make it more noticeable?
- Is the wording effective?
- Do some sentences flow poorly?
- What could improve it?
- Is the ad an appropriate size to be seen easily in the newspaper?
- If not, what would be better?
Make Sure You Ask the Right Person
When considering what kind of feedback you want, let that lead you to the person who is best suited to respond. Don’t ask someone who lacks the expertise that precise area.
Understanding what it is that you want from the person giving the feedback helps them respond more effectively and provide you with the information you need to improve. Next time, I’ll work on my communication skills ask the right questions to the right person.
