Summary:

The higher up a person’s position is in an organization, the harder it is for them to get honest feedback from subordinates. Most people refrain from offering honest, negative feedback because they don’t want to upset or anger their boss. However, choosing the right strategy to offer negative feedback may improve their insights as well as your working relationship.

The first thing to remember is that your feedback should be honest and data-driven because people respond much better to specifics than to generalities. Yet, even the most thought-out and organized feedback can insult your boss and create a defensive response. Before you offer advice, make sure your boss is open to feedback. If you haven’t been invited to offer feedback, then consider asking for it.

Remember, if what you say isn’t critical to the company or your department, and may only serve to jeopardize your working relationship, then you might want to keep quiet. Offering negative feedback is not worth risking your job or your relationship with your boss.

Article Quote:

“Giving your boss feedback, commonly called upward feedback, can be a tricky process to master. However, if offered correctly and thoughtfully, your insight can not only help your boss, but also improve your working relationship.”

Link: http://blogs.hbr.org/hmu/2010/03/how-to-give-your-boss-feedback.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+harvardbusiness/hmu+(Management+Essentials+on+HBR.org)

The ability to make strategic decisions regarding your position within an organization should be approached with both data and a forward looking approach to the success of the company.  It is also important to remember that your point of reference is not complete when it comes to the realities and pressures placed on your boss. Therefore, phrase your feedback in a manner that reflects your perspective and doesn’t come across as “I know how to do your job better than you do.”

Finding the right tone and time to offer feedback is critical if you truly want to make positive changes. Before speaking up, take an honest look at your true motivations. If your true intent is to somehow get back at your boss out of spite, realizing that intent before your speak up could save you embarrassment and possibly your job.

For more on making strategic decisions, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/