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The Art of Asking for Feedback

Writer's picture: Kayla Morse HiggsKayla Morse Higgs

Feedback is a gift—one that can inspire growth, unlock new perspectives, and refine our craft. Yet asking for feedback often requires vulnerability. Inviting others to evaluate our actions or work can feel deeply personal, but feedback, when approached with intention, is transformative.


In my experience, the way we ask for feedback shapes the quality of what we receive. A blanket request like, “What do you think?” often results in vague responses. Specificity, on the other hand, opens the door to targeted insights and actionable advice.

Let’s explore how to elicit feedback in ways that are focused and productive.


The Key to Asking for Meaningful Feedback


Feedback is most impactful when it’s specific and aligned with your goals. Asking, “What do you think?” is too broad. Instead, share your intentions, identify your blind spots, and invite others to help you see what you may be missing.

Here’s a simple three-step process to guide your feedback requests:


  1. State Your Goal Share the purpose of your work and what you’re trying to achieve. Example: “I’m designing a training to improve team collaboration. My goal is to ensure the activities are engaging and relevant to the participants.”

  2. Name Your Blind Spots Acknowledge areas where you want additional perspective or feel less confident. Example: “I’m unsure if the flow of the activities builds up to the key takeaways effectively. Can you help me assess whether the structure works?”

  3. Ask Focused Questions Frame your request with clear, actionable questions. Example: “Does the timing of the activities feel realistic? Are there areas where participants might disengage?”


When to Ask for Feedback


Timing matters when it comes to feedback. Here are five situations that are ideal for gathering meaningful input:


  1. Creating Something New Before finalizing a project, presentation, or initiative, ask for feedback to ensure it resonates with your intended audience. How to ask: “Do you think this aligns with the needs of the audience? Are there any areas where the message could be clearer?”

  2. Navigating a Difficult Decision When facing a challenging situation, ask for feedback to identify blind spots in your approach. How to ask: “Am I considering all perspectives here? What potential outcomes might I be overlooking?”

  3. Improving a Skill Seeking feedback on a skill or behavior you’re actively working on can provide clarity on your progress. How to ask: “Do you notice moments where I could communicate more effectively or include others in decision-making?”

  4. Testing an Idea Before launching something new, gather input to validate or refine your concept. How to ask: “What excites you about this idea? Are there elements that feel unclear or disconnected?”

  5. Reflecting on Performance After completing a project or initiative, feedback can help you learn and grow for future endeavors. How to ask: “What worked well in my approach? What’s one thing I could improve for next time?”


Feedback as a Pathway to Growth


Feedback is an investment in your growth, and asking for it intentionally is a skill worth developing. The key is to approach feedback with a clear purpose, an open mind, and the courage to listen deeply.

The next time you feel hesitation about asking for feedback, remind yourself that it’s not about proving you’re perfect—it’s about becoming better. So, lean into the process, trust those you ask for input, and remember: growth begins where comfort ends.

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