Seeking Feedback from Others is the a Key to Leadership Growth for New Leaders and First-Time Managers
For new leaders, first-time managers, and those stepping into leadership roles, understanding how others perceive your leadership is essential for growth. While self-reflection helps you gain insight into your leadership style, there’s another powerful tool that can accelerate your development: seeking feedback from others.
Asking for feedback from trusted colleagues, peers, or mentors is one of the most effective ways for new managers to understand how their leadership is experienced by those around them. Often, others notice things in your behavior or decision-making that you might overlook. Their perspectives offer valuable insights into areas for improvement and can highlight strengths you may not have recognized.
Why Seeking Feedback Matters for New Leaders
No leader, especially a first-time leader, operates in isolation. Your leadership impacts your team, colleagues, and organization. Relying solely on your own perspective can lead to blind spots.
By seeking feedback, you gain a more well-rounded view of how your leadership actions and decisions are perceived. This helps you identify patterns that may be limiting your effectiveness or uncover strengths you weren’t fully aware of. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions to become a stronger and more self-aware leader.
How New Leaders Can Seek Valuable Feedback
Choose Trusted Sources
Feedback is only as valuable as the people offering it. New managers should seek input from colleagues, team members, or mentors who have observed their leadership in action and are invested in their growth. These individuals can provide honest and constructive feedback tailored to help you grow.Ask Specific Questions
Vague questions lead to vague answers. When seeking feedback, be specific. Instead of asking, “How am I doing as a leader?” try questions like:How do I handle difficult situations?
What’s one area where you think I could improve?
How do I communicate with the team?
What’s a strength you’ve noticed in my leadership?
Specific questions lead to actionable feedback, allowing new leaders to make focused improvements.
Embrace the Good and the Bad
Feedback can be hard to hear, especially when it highlights areas for improvement. However, for first-time leaders, the goal is growth, not perfection. Approach feedback with an open mind and avoid taking criticism personally. Remember, feedback is meant to help you become a better leader, not point out flaws.Reflect and Act on Feedback
Once you’ve gathered feedback, take the time to reflect on it. What patterns emerge? Are there recurring themes? Use this information to create a personal development plan. For new and first-time managers, feedback is most valuable when it leads to action.
The Impact of Feedback on Leadership Growth
Consistently seeking feedback can transform how new leaders approach their roles. By seeing yourself through the eyes of others, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how your leadership is perceived. This allows you to make intentional changes that improve your effectiveness, communication, and relationships with your team.
Asking for feedback also demonstrates humility and a commitment to growth. When your team or peers see that you value their input, it builds trust and fosters open dialogue, which strengthens both your leadership and team dynamics.
For new managers and first-time leaders, feedback is one of the most powerful tools to sharpen your leadership skills. Don’t be afraid to seek input from those around you—their perspectives can provide invaluable insights into areas where you can improve and reinforce the strengths you already bring to your leadership role.
Leadership development is a continuous journey, and feedback is essential for growth. Take a moment this week to ask a trusted colleague or mentor for feedback—you might be surprised at how much you can learn from their perspective. Consider receiving professional coaching as a premium Boundless member to accelerate your growth. For more information, email david@boundlessnewleaders.com or schedule a time here: https://calendly.com/join-boundless/30min.