How To Give Feedback To Your Boss

Are you afraid of talking to your boss about something that is bothering you? You may have good reasons to be hesitant. Check out these tips to do it right and come over as a smart employee.

By Malavikka

Giving feedback to your boss might be a worrying task as it could put your job at stake. Yet, when you have something valuable to say, you might not need to hide it lest it bubbles up as a bigger problem later on. So, how can you put your point across constructively and yet avoid a faux pas? Deal with this situation tactically by following these tips.

Let It Be Solicited

Let It Be Solicited

Any good boss asks for your feedback at some point of time. Pointing at a shortcoming on your own accord could be viewed as a complaint or negativity. So patiently wait for your turn. When he or she asks you about your work, politely put it across without jumping at the opportunity hastily.

Put Appreciation First

Put Appreciation First

The best way of giving feedback is to always put the positive things first. This conveys that your intention is not to offend the person but to sort things out the right way.

Thank them for their time and express gratitude for the other good aspects about working with them. Start with your grievances thereby subtly.

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Make It Private

Make It Private

Primarily, for feedback, your intention and body language matter more than what you say. Instead of trying to project that you are right and your boss is wrong by breaking the feedback in front of everybody, do it at a private meeting so as to avoid embarrassment for both of you.

Be Respectful

Be Respectful

You might carry a grudge about your boss' act and want to burst. But take a deep breathe and reconsider your thoughts. Raising a quarrel is not going to do good for you. Also, you will get to know his or her point of view only if you open your mind to understand and listen calmly. So put your assumptions aside and have a respectful conversation.

Talk Only About Your Obstacles

Talk Only About Your Obstacles

It is not going to benefit you if you try to be over smart and tell your boss what you would have done were you in his or her position. Such a remark would push you further down the downward spiral.

Even if you think you have the moral high ground, it is apt to put forward what is hindering your work professionally rather than talking about all the ill habits of your colleague.

 

Work For The Best, Prepare For The Worst

Work For The Best, Prepare For The Worst

When you are giving feedback, you cannot expect 100% positive response. You have to be prepared for some negative reactions too. After all, nobody likes their flaws pointed to them.

So, be polite and express your views humbly, but also expect the worst and be ready to face the music. You might get a clear idea if your meeting is going to be worth it even if it inconveniences your boss if you envisage the reactions.

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Understand The Context

Understand The Context

Whenever you are asked for feedback, request to know which area the feedback is solicited for rather than bringing up all the past complaints that you have. Your boss might actually be asking about this week's performance management while you might be obsessed about his or her treatment towards you.

Be Honest And Clear With Yourself

Be Honest And Clear With Yourself

It is human nature to assume every negative aspect whenever we don't like something. Do not let your assumptions influence your constructive feedback lest you would be judged as a liar. 

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