This is an I-Heart podcast.

Good morning. This is Laura.

Welcome to the new corner office, the podcast where we share strategies for thriving in the new world of work, where location and hours are more flexible than in the past.

Today's tip is to seek out more feedback, especially when you're working remotely.

As anyone who's ever sweated while waiting for a teacher to return a test can tell you,

getting feedback isn't always fun. Putting yourself out there

and waiting to hear what others think of your best efforts can be mildly stressful at best,

and downright terrifying at worst. However, plenty of research and common sense tells us that

actively seeking out feedback can help us perform better

at our jobs. People who seek out feedback tend to be more creative and are seen as more effective

by their peers and supervisors and direct reports. No matter how advanced you are in your career,

there are always places to improve.

Remote workers, in particular, can become somewhat isolated and stuck in our own routines.

And we generally talk less to others during the workday. So we get less casual feedback.

In a recent episode, I mentioned that managers should commit to

doing virtual hallway coaching, impromptu guidance after any teachable event. But in case your supervisor

isn't listening to this podcast, well, you'll need to actively seek out such feedback.

The good news is that doing so isn't rocket science.

The best way to ask for feedback is to ask. Yes, these requests can feel awkward, but so what?

Feel the nerves and do it anyway. Send the person you'd like feedback from a friendly email

and let them know that you'd like to set up a quick check-in meeting to discuss your performance.

You can also just pick up the phone and call, or ask if the other person can stay on the line

...