How can you improve feedback skills as a product manager?

The first and foremost thing about getting feedback is that one should not be overly reliant on any one single method. I have found in my experience that relying on what some customers say entirely or maybe just relying on data is the wrong way to go about gathering feedback. Feedback should be both qualitative and quantitative at the same time, if the product allows. I also found that experienced product managers - someone who uses the product a lot or has been in the industry for quite a few years, rely upon their instincts as well to form an initial hypothesis which more often that are mostly true. Point is, to not ignore the instincts that product managers bring to the table - rather they should be considered and validated with data

The statement that feedback methods should be tailored to the audience is spot on. When it comes to giving feedback, the COIN framework (Context, Observation, Impact, and Next Steps) can be incredibly effective. It ensures that feedback is well-structured and actionable. Moreover, when seeking feedback from stakeholders or B2B customers, framing questions is a critical aspect. Starting with broader questions and then employing active listening and critical thinking helps narrow down to the root problem. Often, what’s heard are merely symptoms of an underlying issue. This process helps in identifying and addressing the core challenge.

One more method to deal with this is also to make the feedback specifically about the problem or situation and as much one can impersonalize it .

Active listening is crucial for meaningful feedback exchanges. One effective method I've found is the 'Echo Technique,' where you paraphrase the feedback received to confirm understanding. For example, if a team member suggests a feature could be more user-friendly, you might say, 'So you're suggesting that improving the user interface could enhance the user experience, correct?' This opens the door for further clarification and ensures you've accurately understood the point being made. This technique works equally well when giving feedback, as it invites the recipient to engage more deeply in the conversation, enhancing the feedback's effectiveness.

If you’re already doing the prior steps in terms of collecting feedback, I have two tips from experience: 1. We’re all human and can’t process all feedback immediately. It’s important to organize feedback in terms of what’s high priority and what can be handled later. Just like with features on a product, feedback needs to be prioritized and backlogged because our bandwidth is limited. 2. Another human aspect of feedback is the lack of it. If someone gives a lot of feedback and is suddenly quiet, pay attention. Is it because you’re not acting on the feedback or is it because they have something else going on? This isn’t necessarily a red flag, but changes in feedback frequency are usually an indication of something else going on.

This is the key to collecting feedback! In order to act on feedback first realize that we all make mistakes. Second, know that correcting your mistakes is a process that can sometimes ebb and flow. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be intentional. To summarize your steps: 1. Prioritize your feedback. 2. Establish a timeline. 3. Assess yourself. Do you see your adjustments? Are others seeing the changes? Habits form and sometimes are easily forgotten. It’s also valuable to retrieve old feedback to make sure you are are improving yourself on those high priority items. In the end, being willing to grow is your own project so enjoy the process, be prepared for setbacks, and then get right back on it!

Before delving into the realm of feedback, it’s crucial to establish a foundation built on complete trust, alignment, and genuine appreciation for the purpose. This forms the bedrock of a collaborative and constructive feedback effort. Consistency is key when it comes to feedback methods, and maintaining this discipline ensures a uniform approach. Furthermore, documentation serves as a core pillar of the feedback process, capturing insights and progress. These elements collectively foster an environment where feedback becomes a powerful tool for growth and improvement.