Self-reflection is great, but sometimes, the best insights about ourselves come from those around us. If personality tests aren’t your thing, or even if you’ve already done them, taking it a step further with real feedback from people who know you best can be incredibly valuable.

This exercise, called a Mini-360, is a condensed version of the 360-degree peer feedback method I experienced at Meta. Every performance cycle, we’d ask five trusted colleagues for insights on what we were doing well and where we could improve. At first, this process gave me a ton of anxiety—but over time, I learned that feedback is a gift when approached with the right mindset.

Why This Exercise Matters

• It gives you a clearer picture of your strengths and blind spots.

• It helps you see patterns in how others perceive you.

• It provides insights into where you naturally make an impact.

• It uncovers new growth opportunities you may not have considered.

💡 Tip: Be intentional about who you ask for feedback. Choose open-minded, supportive people who will give you honest and constructive insights—not those who project their own fears, biases, or insecurities onto you.

Gathering Feedback from Trusted Family and Friends

If you feel comfortable, you can call your friends and family for this conversation. If you’d prefer, you can also send an email like the one below:

Email Template: Seeking Feedback

Subject: My Next Career Step

Hey [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out because I’m in the process of figuring out my next career move and doing a lot of self-reflection. Since you know me well, I’d love your honest perspective on my strengths, skills, and areas for growth.

If you have a few minutes, I’d really appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me. Your insights would mean a lot!

Thanks so much in advance—I truly appreciate your support!

[Your Name]

 

Questions to Ask:

1. How would you describe me?

2. What are my strengths?

3. What areas do you think I should improve in?

4. What type of situations have you seen me make the most impact and be my best self?

5. What have you seen me get the most excited about?

    

Additional Questions for Close Family and Friends:

• What are some dreams I consistently talk about or daydream about?

• What interests or topics do I frequently bring up?

• How happy do I seem about my current work situation?

An Honest Look at Your Current Work Situation

Beyond personal feedback, getting raw insights into your current career standing can be incredibly eye-opening. If you’re unsure about your growth potential in your current role, a direct conversation with your manager can bring clarity.

Even if you don’t agree with your manager’s feedback, at least you’ll know where you stand—whether a promotion is on the horizon or whether it’s time to explore new opportunities.

Meeting Template: Feedback Conversation with Your Manager

💡 Before the meeting, prepare yourself with these key questions:

1. What are my strengths, and where have I added the most value to the team?

2. What areas do you think I need to improve to grow in my role?

3. What are my opportunities for promotion or career growth here?

4. How do you see my future at this company over the next year?

5. What advice do you have for me to take my career to the next level?

Having these direct conversations can feel nerve-wracking, but they can be game-changing for your career clarity.

📝 Exercises: Putting Feedback into Action

Q1 - Gathering Feedback from Family and Friends

1. Who do you want to gather feedback from?

   • ….

2. What questions are you going to ask?

   • ….

Q2 - Getting Feedback from Your Manager

1. What key questions will you ask in your meeting?

   • ….

Q3 - Reflecting on the Feedback You Received

1. What are some common themes you heard from multiple people?

   • ….

2. What feedback resonated with you the most?

   • ….

3. What feedback didn’t feel right or align with your own understanding of yourself?

   • ….

By taking the time to ask for feedback, reflect on it, and take action, you’ll gain deeper clarity on your strengths, gaps, and next steps—setting yourself up for long-term success. ✨