Praise / validation at work

[peanutbutterwaffle]

I'm in a senior position at work and objectively I know I do a good job and am appreciated, but I struggle with the fact that it's very rarely articulated. Unfortunately I am of a personality type that kind of needs a bit of external validation (trying to work on this!) and sometimes I just get myself wound up by the fact I don't really get any from my bosses.

Because I'm technically a contractor (though work full time with the team for the last 5 years) I don't have a formal review either, so I don't really have a point in time where people will stop to focus on my contribution if you see what I mean.

I know if I asked how I'm doing, they would be very positive - but I don't want to have to ask. Ugh, I really wish I didn't give this so much thought.

Would appreciate any words of wisdom!

I know exactly what you mean, no matter how senior/experienced we all need that bit of validation every so often! I don't see why you can't ask though - it's becoming more and more commonplace where I work that people will ask for feedback either on a specific piece of work/project or how they feel they chaired a meeting or presented something or just in general - of peers and juniors as well as their managers or the senior leaders. TBH whoever's asking I'm always flattered to be asked for my opinion and try and give balanced/honest constructive answers. Certainly I don't think badly of the person for asking, quite the reverse, I think it shows they are reflective and keen to improve which is great! If you do feel awkward you could always dress it up as a 360 exercise or formal review that as a contractor you do every 5 years or something?