Asking for feedback

This week, my best buddy and I did a feedback exercise.

It’s where we send something like this to the people—friends, family, colleagues—who know us best:

Hey! I’m doing a research project and could really use your help. Would you mind answering these questions… What do you think my biggest strengths are? What do you respect/admire about me? What do you think my biggest blind spots are? What can I be doing more/less of? If you were me, what would you make a priority?

Seeking constructive criticism accomplishes a few things. All great.

1) It helps us grow as people—personally and professionally.

2) It gives us a clearer picture of the lens with which the people around us view us.

3) It can solidify the things we already know to be true.

4) It really highlights our strengths.

Naturally, this should be done with folks we trust to have our best interests at heart.

When he dove into my strengths and blind spots, much of what he said surprised me. Things like:

• Great at first impressions • Excellent teacher • Should surround yourself with more people who take initiative • Should prioritize paying off debt sooner

We’re cursed with only having one set of eyes to look down upon our lives. Getting other perspectives from the people who care about us is a powerful thing.

Who would you do this exercise with?