I’ve worked with hundreds of founders and leaders.
All of them want feedback.
Which is good.
It’s kind of what I do.
But before we start, I ask 3 questions:
–> Why?
–> Why now?
–> What else could you be doing instead?
When most people ask for feedback, what they’re really looking for is validation.
They want to hear their idea is good.
They are open to minor suggestions.
But they don’t want to be challenged.
All of that is very human.
But this validation bias is the reason most startups fail.
I know getting feedback feels like progress.
But ask yourself:
–> Is it just my insecurity talking?
–> Am I using it to avoid the scary work of putting my idea out into the world?
Remember…
Opinions are like assholes – everyone has one.
And people LOVE to give them.
Before you know it, you’re un-doing and re-doing the same changes over and over.
Wasting time.
This doesn’t mean never ask for feedback.
But be specific about what you want, and what you’re willing to do with it.
Ask 2-3 people with specific expertise in that area.
Then let your idea out into the world.
It can be ugly and half-baked.
That’s ok.
Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress.
The market is the only feedback that matters.
