Asking for feedback has become second nature in the business world. We ask customers for feedback on their latest purchases, coworkers for feedback on plans laid out in a meeting, and clients for feedback on the progress of ongoing projects.
Even in our personal lives, we seek feedback from family or friends on gifts, plans, or decisions. But is feedback always the best way to get the information or guidance you really need? Sometimes, what you’re truly looking for is career advice. Today, we’ll explore why it’s better to ask for advice at work instead of feedback and how this approach can help you grow both personally and professionally.
What We Mean When We Ask for “Feedback”
When we ask for feedback, what are we really seeking? The term “feedback” has become a blanket request for any response. But feedback often feels impersonal. It’s easy for someone to rattle off quick comments without truly understanding the situation or offering meaningful insights.
Feedback can be helpful in technical or process-driven scenarios, like a performance review, but it rarely fosters the deeper conversations needed for personal growth, problem-solving, or improving your skill set.
For example, when you ask for feedback from your team members, what you might really want is brainstorming help or new ideas. When you ask friends for feedback, you may be looking for their honest, unsugarcoated opinion. And when you ask for feedback from your professional network on LinkedIn, what you’re likely hoping for is expert advice from someone with experience in your field.
Instead of sticking to the impersonal nature of asking for feedback, try using more specific questions that invite thoughtful responses. Let’s remove the vagueness from this business trend and focus on asking for advice—a more targeted and personal way to get the help you need.
Why Asking for Advice is Better
Feedback is often seen as transactional. It’s about getting a quick, unfiltered response to a specific issue. But advice goes deeper. When you ask someone for advice, you’re acknowledging their expertise, experiences, or skill set. It shows that you value their input and trust their judgment. This approach fosters connection, builds relationships, and encourages the other person to engage more deeply in the conversation.
When someone gives advice, they consider who you are, the context of your situation, and the best possible way to help. They’re more likely to provide thoughtful, actionable insights. This type of guidance is especially valuable when navigating challenges like starting a new job, stepping out of your comfort zone, or developing new skills to advance your career.
Advice also opens the door to follow-up discussions. Asking thoughtful, specific questions allows the conversation to evolve, helping you make better decisions and gain clarity on your next steps. The right advice can help you build self-awareness, strengthen your problem-solving skills, and grow in your current work environment or company culture.
Who Should You Ask for Advice?
Not everyone is the right person to ask for advice. To ensure you’re getting the best guidance, think carefully about who you approach. Here’s how to identify the best person to seek advice from:
- Work Experience: Seek advice from someone with more experience in your field, whether it’s a manager, mentor, or industry expert on LinkedIn. These individuals can help you navigate your career path and offer tips for succeeding in your first job or mastering your job title.
- Specialized Skills: If you admire someone’s expertise in a specific area, ask them how they developed that skill set. Their insights can help you build your own abilities and broaden your professional toolkit.
- Team Members: Collaborating with team members who know your work environment well can provide valuable advice tailored to your company culture and day-to-day challenges.
How to Ask for Advice the Right Way
Shifting from feedback to advice requires a change in both mindset and communication. Here are a few tips to make the transition:
- Be Direct and Specific: Instead of vaguely asking for feedback, ask specific questions about the advice you need. For example, “What skills should I focus on to grow in my role?” or “How did you approach a similar challenge in your career?”
- Acknowledge Their Expertise: Show that you value their opinion by referencing their experience or achievements. For example, “I admire how you’ve built your career in \[field]. Could you share advice on how I can do the same?”
- Be Vulnerable: Asking for advice requires a degree of vulnerability. Be open about the areas where you need help or improvement. This honesty fosters trust and encourages more meaningful exchanges.
- Ask Questions and Follow Up: Don’t let the conversation end with a single response. Ask follow-up questions to clarify their suggestions or dive deeper into their experiences. This builds rapport and allows you to gain even more valuable insights.
Use Templates: If you’re unsure how to phrase your request, start with templates. For example, “I’m looking to improve in \[specific area]. Do you have any advice based on your experience?”
When and Where to Ask for Advice
Asking for advice can happen in a variety of settings, from in-person meetings to social media platforms like LinkedIn. Here are some common scenarios where you might seek advice:
- Career Growth: During a performance review, instead of solely asking for feedback, ask your supervisor for advice on how to advance in your role or develop new skills.
- Networking: Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn for advice on breaking into a new job or improving your current one.
- Team Collaboration: During a group project, ask team members for advice on how to navigate challenges or brainstorm more effectively.
- Mentorship: Schedule one-on-one time with a mentor to get their perspective on your career goals, work environment, or specific skill development.
Why This Matters
Switching from asking for feedback to asking for advice can transform your professional relationships and help you build a stronger network. It invites deeper conversations, encourages problem-solving, and helps you make better decisions. Whether you’re in your first job, pursuing career growth, or stepping into a new role, asking for advice fosters personal and professional well-being.
So the next time you’re tempted to ask for feedback, pause and consider what you’re really looking for. By asking for advice instead, you’ll gain insights that are more personal, actionable, and impactful. It’s a small change in how you communicate, but it can make a big difference in your career.
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