If you work for a boss who doesn’t provide feedback, it’s easy to feel rudderless. Fortunately, performance evaluation data shows that there are things most managers look for in their employees. Delivering results is a clear one — managers are consistently impressed when their direct reports are able to achieve goals on schedule. Quality of work matters too, of course. Managers also highly rate people who are trustworthy, communicate well, and have technical expertise. So if your boss won’t tell you what they’re looking for, consider how you stack up against these general expectations. How much output do you generate, compared with the rest of your team, and what is the quality of the work you turn in? Identify gaps and focus on working toward these expectations. With any luck, your boss will take notice.
Adapted from "How to Improve at Work When You're Not Getting Feedback," by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman
