How to ask for feedback

Getting external feedback is crucial to move quickly and get your own biases challenged. But how to ask for feedback so that you actually get it?

Here's the golden rule:

The cardinal rule of asking [is]: make it easy to say yes. — from: Unsubscribe by Jocelyn K. Glei

Here are some ways to make it easier for the feedback giver to say "yes":

• Explain why you are requesting the feedback (and why from this specific person)
• Provide clear expectations for the feedback (e.g. type, format, deadline)
• Provide context, assuming that the feedback giver has no idea what you mean
• Make the request clear and concise (See this post for advice how to do so)
• Timebox the person's time for providing feedback
• Give them more time than you expect it takes to provide the feedback
• Thank in advance for their time and consideration.

Here's an example message asking for feedback on a proposal:

Dear [Feedback giver],

I hope this email finds you well. I am currently working on a proposal for a new project that aims to gather more user feedback about our app. As someone who has a lot of knowledge about our users, I would value your input on the feasibility and potential impact of this idea on our organization.

In particular, I would appreciate your feedback on the following points:

• The potential benefits of gathering more user feedback
• Any potential challenges or drawbacks that might arise from implementing this idea
• Any suggestions for how we could improve the user feedback process

Any thoughts or comments on these topics would be greatly appreciated. If you have additional thoughts or comments, please feel free to include them as well. I understand that you are busy, so please don't spend more than 10 minutes on my request.

Could you please let me know by tomorrow (Dec 1) at 5pm if you are able to provide feedback? I will be available to receive your feedback until Tuesday Dec 15 at 5pm, and will plan to continue working on the project on Wed Dec 16.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Me]