feedback on development and opportunities for career growth
Getting Actionable Feedback for Career Growth
Want to accelerate your development? It starts with consistently seeking and acting on feedback. But simply asking for feedback isn’t enough. Most people receive vague comments ("You're doing great!") or overly critical assessments that leave them feeling demoralized and unsure where to focus.
The Expert Perspective: The key is to solicit specific feedback tied to observable behaviors and desired outcomes. Too often, we ask “How am I doing?” which is too broad. Instead, focus on pinpointing areas for improvement. Also, understand that feedback isn’t about you – it’s about the work. Separating your identity from your performance is crucial for growth. Finally, remember that feedback is a two-way street; offering constructive criticism to others sharpens your own ability to receive it.
Actionable Steps:
- Targeted Questions: Instead of “Any feedback?”, ask: “When I presented the project update, did my explanation of the data feel clear? What could I have done differently to make it more impactful?”
- The "Start, Stop, Continue" Method: Ask a trusted colleague to tell you one thing you should start doing, one thing you should stop doing, and one thing you should continue doing.
- Seek 360° Views: Don’t limit feedback to your manager. Ask peers, direct reports (if applicable), and even clients for their perspectives.
- Document & Reflect: Keep a running log of the feedback you receive. Regularly review it to identify patterns and prioritize areas for development.
- Small Experiments: Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Choose one piece of feedback and experiment with a small change for a week. Then, assess the impact.
Why Menteo is Different:
Reading about feedback techniques is helpful, but true growth happens through consistent practice with guidance. Traditional networks often facilitate one-off connections, leading to transactional mentorship – a single conversation. Menteo is built for social mentorship – ongoing relationships where you can regularly share work, receive feedback, and track progress.
Menteo provides:
- Mentorship Rooms: Dedicated spaces for structured 1:1 guidance and regular check-ins with your mentor.
- Growth Threads: Publicly document your journey, share your challenges, and receive feedback from a supportive community. This accountability accelerates learning.
- Roadmaps: Curated learning paths designed to help you develop specific skills and advance your career.
- Communities: Connect with peers facing similar challenges and share insights.
Don't just read about career growth – experience it. Find a mentor on Menteo today and unlock your full potential: https://thementeo.com/mentors
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