How can feedback improve project management?

1 Why feedback matters

Feedback is the process of providing information or opinions about the quality, value, or outcome of a project or its activities. This feedback can come from customers, stakeholders, team members, or external experts and can be verbal, written, numeric, or visual. It is important to incorporate feedback because it can help project managers align the project with user and organizational expectations, track progress and performance, identify and resolve problems, risks, or gaps in the project plan or execution, enhance quality and usability of outputs and outcomes, foster collaboration and communication among the project team and stakeholders, and encourage continuous improvement and innovation in the project process and products.

3 How to analyze feedback

Analyzing feedback is the process of interpreting and evaluating the data and information collected from the feedback sources, enabling project managers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the project, identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, prioritize actions and changes, and communicate results to the project team and stakeholders. To do this effectively, project managers should use appropriate techniques and tools such as data analysis and visualization (e.g. Excel, SPSS, Tableau), content analysis and coding (e.g. NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose), and SWOT analysis and action plan (e.g. SMART, RACI, PDCA). These can help organize, summarize, present quantitative and qualitative data; identify themes, patterns, trends in text, audio or video; and synthesize feedback into strategic decisions and actions for the project.

4 How to act on feedback

Acting on feedback is the process of implementing and monitoring the changes and improvements suggested by the feedback results. Doing so can help project managers to enhance the quality and usability of the project outputs and outcomes, increase user satisfaction, reduce costs and risks, and foster a culture of learning and innovation. To act on feedback effectively, project managers should use appropriate methods and tools such as change management and communication using Kotter's 8-step model, ADKAR model, or Lewin's change model; plus email, newsletters, or dashboards. Additionally, feedback loop and iteration using agile, scrum, or lean; plus feedback forms, user testing, or analytics can be used to test and validate changes. Ultimately, this helps measure their impact and effectiveness.

5 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?