We often underestimate our own value. Today, you're going to discover what others see in you that you might be taking for granted.
What I am sharing with you today is a (simplified) document of what I work on almost every week: The Feedback Round
This will probably be the biggest job you are going to work on this week.
So if you need to spend a fair bit of time on an exercise, this will be the one:
Getting feedback from people who've worked with you reveals patterns you can't see yourself.
Step 1: Choose Your 3-4 People
Pick a mix from different contexts:
Former manager or colleague
Peer from a recent project
Client or someone you've served
Mentor or industry connection
Friend who's seen you in action
Someone you've collaborated with cross-functionally
Step 2: Send this message (Customize It)
Subject: Quick favor – I need your perspective
Hi [Name],
I'm at a pivotal point in my career journey and doing some deep reflection on my strengths and value. Since you've worked with/known me in [context], I'd love your honest perspective.
Would you mind answering 3-5 of these questions? Even brief responses would be incredibly helpful:
Choose 5-7 questions to send:
What would you say are my top 3 strengths?
What's one thing I do better than most people?
When have you seen me at my best? What was I doing?
If you had to describe my work style in 3 words, what would they be?
What type of problem do you think I'm uniquely good at solving?
If you were hiring for a role and budget wasn't an issue, what role would you hire me for and why?
What's something I might not realize about how I positively impact others?
What do people usually come to me for help with?
Where have you seen me create the most value?
What would you say is my "superpower"?
No pressure to answer all, even 2-3 would mean a lot. Thanks for taking the time!
[Your name]
y\You can make it fancy - in a Canva doc, or Notion - but I like to keep it simple, via word, then PDF.
Step 3: While you wait
Send requests to all 3-4 people today
Answer these same questions about YOURSELF (you'll compare later)
Start a "Praise File"& dig through old emails, Slack messages, performance reviews for compliments you've received
Note any patterns you're already seeing
Next Action
Compile any responses that came in this week
Create a document to collect all feedback over the next few days/weeks
Write down: What are you hoping to discover?
💡 People are usually happy to help, but please keep it simple. Choose 4-5 questions max, make it clear they can answer briefly, and express genuine appreciation.
Important point: You're not fishing for compliments. You're gathering feedbacks about your market value. This is strategic research.
See you tomorrow!
Yours,
Stephanie
