You’re looking to advance your career. What’s the most effective way to use feedback?

1 Understand the types of feedback

Feedback can be categorized into three types: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation. Appreciation is when someone expresses gratitude or recognition for your work. Coaching is when someone offers guidance or advice on how to improve your performance or learn new skills. Evaluation is when someone assesses your performance or progress against a set of criteria or expectations. Each type of feedback serves a different purpose and requires a different response. Appreciation helps you feel valued and motivated. Coaching helps you grow and develop. Evaluation helps you measure and demonstrate your results.

2 Seek feedback proactively

Don't wait for feedback to come to you. Seek it out actively and regularly from various sources, such as your clients, managers, peers, mentors, or experts. Ask specific and open-ended questions that focus on your goals, challenges, strengths, and areas of improvement. For example, you can ask your client how satisfied they are with your deliverables, what they liked or disliked about your approach, and what suggestions they have for future projects. You can ask your manager how well you aligned with the project objectives, what skills you need to work on, and what opportunities you have for career development. You can ask your peers how they perceive your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, and what feedback they received from others that might be relevant to you. You can ask your mentors or experts how they achieved their success, what mistakes they made along the way, and what resources or tips they recommend for you.

4 Give feedback respectfully

Giving feedback is a skill that can be improved through practice. Respectful feedback can help to build trust, rapport, and credibility with those receiving it, while also increasing the IT consultant's own reputation and influence. To give feedback respectfully, it should be specific and timely, balanced and constructive, empathetic and supportive, and collaborative with follow-up. Feedback should be given as soon as possible after the performance or behavior that needs addressing, with concrete examples and facts to support it. Positive and negative feedback should be provided in equal measure, emphasizing strengths and achievements. Empathy should be shown for feelings, goals, and needs, expressed in a positive and respectful tone. A plan for improvement should be agreed upon with an offer of help and guidance. Finally, progress should be monitored regularly.

5 Use feedback to advance your career

Feedback is not only a tool for improvement, but also a tool for advancement. As an IT consultant, you can use feedback to showcase your achievements, demonstrate your value, and pursue your career aspirations. To take advantage of feedback, document and share it with your managers, clients, and potential employers. Additionally, seek feedback from influential people in your field and ask for their insights on how to advance your career. Also, receive feedback on your career goals and ask how you can showcase yourself as a suitable candidate. By understanding the types of feedback, seeking it proactively, receiving it constructively, giving it respectfully, and using it strategically, you can leverage feedback to reach your full potential and achieve your career aspirations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?