Question

So my boss has asked me to come up with a solution for our disorganized P.Drive within our office computers (Contains projects, tools, client info etc).

I have already asked employees from work for their feedback regarding the p.drive and how it can be improved.

Now i am thinking of coming up with questions to ask my boss regarding the background on why he wants this cleaned. I am trying to get his feedback to improve my solution.

What questions should i ask ? ​​​​​​​

Answer 1

In today’s work environment, a void of effective feedback mechanisms exists, resulting in lower employee satisfaction and, ultimately, lower productivity. The primary driver behind lackluster performance management lies in the annual performance review. While the performance review has its place, managers miss many opportunities throughout the year to offer practical and meaningful feedback to performers.

While you may not be able to change the current performance management mechanisms in your organization, you can take the matter into your own hands by eliciting feedback from your mentors, colleagues, managers, partners, and even clients.

Decide what your goal is. For most of us, the goal is to get a clear and accurate picture of the things we are doing well, the things we can improve upon, and suggestions for taking the proper steps to get there.

Good feedback will help you avoid repeating the same destructive patterns in the workplace that only hold you back instead of propelling you forward. Good feedback enables you to grow as a manager, harnessing what you do well, and providing a path to improve upon in the areas of weakness.

When you think about the kind of questions you want to ask your feedback providers, keep your goals in mind. What specific questions do you need to ask to achieve your goals? If your goal is to improve relationships with team members, ask questions that specifically pertain the current working climate and interactions.

If your goal is to manage your time more efficiently, ask questions that solicit observations about where you could improve in managing your project. Think about your specific goal, and fashion the questions that help you identify and formulate the answer. It may be that you want to see how you’re doing on a whole. A range of open-ended questions will help you obtain the relevant atmospherics.

Suitable Questions
What kind of actionable feedback do I provide you about how you’re doing with your work? What do I do well now? What can I do better in the future?

How do you feel about my level of interaction with you and your work as a manager? Not enough, too much? How would you like to see it change?

In the last six months, how have I shown my care for the welfare of my team members? What would you like to see from me in the next six months?

Do you feel valued as a team member? What are the best ways to show I appreciate you and your contributions as a team member?

Have you felt there were gaps in my leadership on the last project? Do you have any suggestions on how I can improve in those areas in the future?

Rate my communication effectiveness. In what ways can I be more effective in communicating with the team?

What other observations or suggestions can you provide to assist me in being the best project manager and advocate for my team?

When the time comes to ask for feedback, you must be willing to accept the answers with an open mind. Perception is reality. So, you must be prepared to understand the work environment from their perspective. If you become defensive or affected negatively by comments other professionals provide, you will be far less likely to receive honest responses in the future.