You’re having trouble with a vendor. What’s the best way to ask for feedback?

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to clearly identify the problem you’re having with the vendor. Is it a communication issue, a delivery issue, a quality issue, or something else? Be specific and objective about what is not working, and how it impacts your work. Avoid making assumptions or blaming the vendor for things that are beyond their control. Instead, focus on the facts and the expectations that were agreed upon.

4 Listen and acknowledge

The fourth step is to listen and acknowledge the vendor’s feedback. This involves paying attention to their words, asking clarifying questions, restating their points, and expressing gratitude for their input. This does not mean consenting or objecting to the vendor, but rather demonstrating that you value their perspective and experience. Doing so can build rapport and trust with the vendor, as well as give insight into their situation and challenges. Additionally, it can reveal areas of agreement and disagreement, as well as recognize strengths and opportunities for improvement.

5 Respond and resolve

The fifth step is to respond and resolve the feedback. This means sharing your own perspective, addressing any concerns or issues, and proposing solutions or actions that are mutually beneficial. Responding and resolving does not require compromising your standards, but rather finding a common ground and a way forward. To do this effectively, you should communicate your expectations and needs clearly and respectfully, negotiate and collaborate on realistic and achievable outcomes, establish accountability and follow-up mechanisms, and enhance your relationship and performance with the vendor.

6 Evaluate and learn

The final step is to evaluate and learn from the feedback. This means reflecting on the feedback process, the results, and the lessons learned. It’s not about judging or criticizing the vendor, but rather assessing and improving your own skills and practices. Through this, you can measure the impact and effectiveness of the feedback, identify what worked well and what could be improved, apply the feedback to future situations and projects, and develop your leadership and feedback skills. Asking for feedback from a vendor can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By following these six steps, you can turn a potential problem into an opportunity for growth, learning, and collaboration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?