Success often depends on seeking honest feedback and acting on it to make continuous improvements.
It is difficult to get honest feedback, but it is essential if you want to improve your skills, a product, a service, or an organisation.
Sound feedback can also act as a early warning system alerting you to potential problems and grievances.
1. Always be honest
Talk honestly with staff and clients if you want to get honest answers in return.
2. Be suspicious of excess positive feedback
If you get only positive feedback you should realise it may not be the whole truth.
Learn to accept and appreciate constructive criticism.
3. Make the most of social events
Network at social events to gather information. Ask basic questions such as ‘What’, ‘Why’, ‘When’, ‘Where’, ‘How’ and ‘How much’ if you want a true evaluation of your products or services. Use lead-ins such as…’What do you think about….’ ‘Are you happy with …’
4. Set up formal surveys to collect opinions and facts
Plan feedback meetings and attitude surveys; carry out sample polls; set up focus groups to collect opinions and new information.
Invite electronic feedback and comments. People will often tell you things online they would not tell you face to face.
If you survey specific groups to collect opinions, try to use peer group surveyors. They usually have a better rapport with the people being surveyed so are more likely to get the information you need.
5. Reward people for valuable feedback
A sincere ‘Thank you. Your views are greatly appreciated’ , is an easy way to acknowledge their effort.
Clients, staff, suppliers and potential customers can be rewarded with small gifts. Such gestures often encourage people to supply future feedback.
-Geoffrey Moss
“Feedback is the key to improvement. Encourage honest feedback – don’t be defensive if it contains criticism.”
RECOMMENDATION: Visit: http://www.mossassociates.co.nz to download a FREE app for your iPad containing a handful of tips for 101 topics and 2 FREE books.
Another Handful of Tips 