While you are now comfortable in your new work environment, performing quality work and being able to come away with a good reference, writing sample, or possibly even a job offer for some positions is an invaluable part of your summer. Even if you believe you are producing exceptional work for your employer, there is only one way to be certain of this: ask. Requesting feedback is often uncomfortable, but seeking out feedback is vital to your success. In fact, 26% of people who fail in the beginning of a job do so because they can’t accept feedback. Yes, feedback. Everyone likes to hear that his or her work exceeds expectations, and no one wants to be told that he or she has come up short. True professionals welcome constructive feedback. They know that any feedback that points out a shortcoming, as hard as it may be to hear, helps them to learn and to grow.
Welcome feedback. If your supervisor doesn’t automatically provide it, proactively seek out some constructive criticism of your work sooner than later. Now is the time. However, be mindful of when you ask for feedback. Schedule a meeting ahead of time and be specific about the action items you intend to improve upon. Your initiative and drive to succeed will pay off in the end.
Lastly, in the words of Mary Crane, here’s the most important feedback principle to keep in mind: own it and hone it. Listen to any feedback that you receive and take immediate action to improve behaviors that don’t meet expectations.