Six Questions Your Boss Will Appreciate Hearing

Many factors that play a role in getting consistent feedback from your supervisor. For example, at a startup, the culture is often more fluid (a.k.a. chaotic) and things that you would consider the norm may not be in place quite yet. Or, if your organization has more work than employee bandwidth, reviews may be pushed back. Whatever your situation, it’s always a good idea to routinely check-in with your manager regarding your performance and their expectations.

Strive for a reasonable window of 1-on-1 time with your boss so you both can make sure you are on the same page. If you have a series of questions, send an email in advance with thoughts you’d like to discuss. For a more candid response, skip the email and ask directly, face to face.

I’m sharing six questions to inspire productive conversation around the quality of your work and your value as an employee.

What is working with the way I approach my responsibilities?

This question starts things off on a positive note. You’ll feel more confident continuing the conversation when you have received a little praise. Although you have your opinion about your work style, tune into your supervisor’s point of view. You may be surprised at what has made an impression on them.

Is there anything I can change regarding how we work together?

There’s no way around it: you want to know if there is something that needs adjusting. You supervisor should respond with constructive advice and give you some specifics on what else you could be doing to increase your productivity. Take a deep breath and don’t get defensive.

How can I better support your vision for our department?

You are letting them know you want to help move their ideas and goals forward. Ideally, you have a clear understanding of their vision. If not, this question provides a great way to hear more!

What is one thing I can work on as I grow my leadership skills?

This is similar to question two but communicates your desire to grow as a person and as a leader. It also does a great job of expressing you are open to a leadership position down the road. That could mean serving as a department lead, chairing a committee, or any number of things.

If I continue to perform at this level, am I on track for future opportunities on your team?

This question reinforces your desire for career growth and opens the dialogue further. The hope is to hear you are on the right track, but if you learn you are not, you can ask for pointers and make changes in the near future.

Is there anything else that comes to mind regarding my role at the organization or our department?

You may be the first to learn about possible shifts in the department structure, including new positions of leadership. If they share news about an additional role they are creating, you have the floor to express interest. Keep what they share in confidence and know that things are bound to change multiple times regarding the team’s organization.

You may also like How to Ask for a Raise. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.