How to respond to feedback from your boss

Short answer: say “Thanks for telling me. What would ‘better’ look like to you?”

DON'T SAY
“Okay, I'll try to do better.”
after hearing feedback
SAY THIS
“Thanks for telling me. What would ‘better’ look like to you?”
It shows you can take feedback and turns it into a clear target.

When to use it

Use it when you get feedback that's a bit vague. Thank them, then ask what “better” would look like. You show you can take feedback, and you leave with a clear target you can actually hit.

Example

Manager: “Your updates could be stronger.”

You: “Thanks for telling me. What would ‘better’ look like to you?”

Manager: “Lead with the decision you need.”

In an email or Slack message

Follow up in writing: “Thanks for the feedback on my updates. To make sure I've got it: lead with the decision I need, then details. I'll try that this week.”

Quick drill

When a review or rating is lower than you expected.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

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