Received feedback that isn't very clear or helpful?
Yep me too. Not really going to help us learn or do something differently is it?
Here's some you may recognise:
You did a great interview but someone just had MORE experience than you
I thought your presentation went WELL
I'm not sure ALL the language you used was fit for purpose
You could have demonstrated your knowledge BETTER on the day
Vague vague vague
This feedback isn't helpful. It doesn't explain what tangible action we can take to be better next time. Yet I hear a lot of this in corporate.
It's lazy. Usually it is because the person giving you feedback hasn't taken accurate notes to prompt their memory about what went well or less well. Or they're shirking, giving you 'high level' feedback because they don't want the confrontation/ you to react negatively.
So what should you do if you're getting this kind of unhelpful feedback?
1) If you're in a situation where you know you're going to want feedback, sign post this up front so that the person observing can take notes with due care.
2) Agree up front what you want them to look for, e.g. if you're running a presentation, did you deliver with confidence, did the main points X, Y and Z come across clearly and how would they rate the engagement of the audience?
This means the observer is looking for specific points, keeping them focussed. And also means that they're more likely to share something useful you can build on.
3) Accept feedback graciously. If you try to argue with people who give you feedback (or more likely, make excuses for why it went that way) they will assume you're not interested and won't bother giving you feedback next time.
We need to create a culture where feedback is welcome and for that we need to listen attentively, ask questions to clarify understanding and take it on the chin. If you're tempted to retort back, just say 'Thank you, that's helpful' and leave it at that!
4) If you're on the receiving end of vague feedback, like the early examples above, CHALLENGE the person delivering it (politely!). Try something like 'thank you for saying the presentation was good, can you give me an example of a particular element you think went well?' Or 'When you say other candidates had more experience, experience in what exactly?'
Where people were prepared going into the conversation they should be able to get more specific for you. They'll often think they're being clear because in their own minds they know exactly what they mean. Sometimes we need prompts to articulate ourselves better.
5) Ask someone else. If your boss isn't very good at giving feedback ask someone else who was in the meeting until you get something granular you can work on.
If you're getting vague feedback it is 50% your responsibility, if not more, when you're aiming to learn and improve. If you use these tips to take responsibility for receiving thoughtful feedback you'll be a pro in no time.
Cheers to learning more! How can you get more useful feedback this week?
P.S. We're mid-way through October - yikes! That means it will be Christmas before you know it. Do you have personal goals that you haven't yet hit this year? You can still do it - drop me an e-mail to discuss how to apply for a complimentary coaching call and I will help you.
