Ask for Advice, Not Feedback
When you want input, ask what advice they would give, not what feedback they have.
Four experiments plus a field test in 360-degree reviews found advice requests drew more specific, actionable input; mostly one research team, and the effect was weaker when asking about strengths.
Why it works
Feedback makes people look back and judge, so they stay polite and vague. Advice makes them look forward and help, so they give concrete steps. Asking advice also shows respect for their judgement.
How to do it
- Share the draft, proposal or plan.
- Ask: what advice would you give me on this?
- Follow with: what one thing would you change first?
- Write their points down in front of them and thank them.
What to say
What advice would you give me before I send this to your MD?
If you were in my place, what would you change in this proposal?
Avoid
Asking any feedback? at the end of a meeting. You will get it's fine, which helps no one.
Example
After a pitch to an agrochemical firm in Hyderabad, Suresh asked the HR manager: what advice would you give me for the meeting with your director? She told him the director cares about attrition, not speed. He changed his deck that night.
Practise it
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