What do you do if your feedback to superiors in Systems Management is not well-received?

1 Reflect First

Before reacting to a negative response, take a moment to reflect on the content and delivery of your feedback. Were your points clear and supported by evidence? Did you communicate in a way that was respectful and objective? Systems management often involves complex decision-making, and your feedback should aim to enhance that process. Consider if there might be a better way to rephrase your concerns or if additional data might help clarify your points. Self-reflection is a crucial first step in determining how to proceed after your initial attempt at providing feedback has not been well-received.

2 Seek Clarity

If your feedback wasn't taken well, it's important to seek clarity. Ask your superiors for specific reasons why they disagreed or found your feedback unhelpful. This isn't about challenging their authority but understanding their perspective. In systems management, where the interplay of technology and business processes is intricate, it's possible that there may be factors you're unaware of. By asking questions, you demonstrate your willingness to engage in dialogue and may uncover valuable insights that could refine your feedback or change your approach.

3 Adjust Approach

After gaining clarity, you might need to adjust your approach. If your superiors have provided reasons for their reception, use this information to tailor your feedback. In systems management, it's essential to align your suggestions with the organization's objectives and constraints. Perhaps your feedback needs to be more solution-oriented or presented within the context of the company's strategic goals. Remember, it's not just about pointing out problems but also about being part of the solution.

4 Build Support

Sometimes, feedback is better received when it has broader support. In systems management, this could mean discussing your observations with peers to see if they share your views. If they do, they might be willing to back your feedback or provide additional insights that strengthen your case. Building a coalition can help demonstrate that the issue at hand is not just a personal grievance but a collective concern that merits consideration.

5 Choose Timing

Timing can be everything when it comes to feedback. In the fast-paced world of systems management, knowing when to present your feedback can make a significant difference. If an immediate response to your feedback was negative, wait for a more opportune moment to bring it up again. This might be after a project milestone when there's more time for reflection or when similar issues have arisen, lending more weight to your concerns.

6 Persist Respectfully

If you've refined your feedback and still believe in its validity, it's important to persist—but do so respectfully. In systems management, persistence shows dedication and commitment to quality and efficiency. However, it's crucial to balance this with respect for the chain of command and the final decision-making authority of your superiors. Offer your feedback as a recommendation rather than an ultimatum, and be prepared to accept the final decision, whether or not it aligns with your suggestions.