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Feedback Coaching

My manager told me that he was very disappointed in the way I handled a particular assignment, and then he said that he would get back to me with more details "at a later date." That was two weeks ago. Should I ask him for the details, or just let it go?



Perhaps your manager is also planning to pick up some management skills "at a later date." After all, even the greenest of managers understand the need to provide employees with constructive feedback as close to their performance as possible.

Although some time has passed, it is still important for you to understand why he was so disappointed in the way you handled the project. By approaching him and asking for such information, you are not only demonstrating self-confidence, but also a desire to learn, develop, and grow in the job. And, if you do not ask for such feedback, you may be setting yourself up to run into the same problem in the future.

When you approach your manager, you should tell him that you are interested in his thoughts about your performance on the given project, and then set a specific date for the two of you to meet. In such a meeting, be sure that you have all the facts regarding your performance on the project in question. Since he is somewhat shortchanged in terms of managerial skills, he may have shortchanged you when assessing your performance.




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