How do you create a continuous learning feedback loop?

1 Identify your sources of feedback

Feedback can come from different sources, such as your audience, your peers, your organizers, your mentors, or yourself. Each source has its own strengths and limitations, and can provide different types of feedback, such as quantitative, qualitative, or constructive. To create a feedback loop, you need to identify which sources are relevant and accessible for you, and how you can collect feedback from them. For example, you can use surveys, polls, ratings, reviews, comments, testimonials, recordings, transcripts, or notes.

2 Organize and analyze your feedback

Once you have collected feedback from your sources, you need to organize and analyze it to extract meaningful insights and patterns. You can use tools such as spreadsheets, charts, graphs, or dashboards to help you visualize and compare your feedback data. You can also use frameworks such as SWOT, SMART, or OKR to help you evaluate your feedback and set goals for improvement. The key is to look for both positive and negative feedback, and to identify what worked well, what didn't work well, and why.

3 Act on your feedback

The final step of the feedback loop is to act on your feedback and implement changes that will improve your performance and outcomes. You can use techniques such as action plans, experiments, tests, or rehearsals to help you apply your feedback and measure your progress. You can also use resources such as books, courses, podcasts, or mentors to help you learn new skills or refine existing ones. The key is to be consistent and intentional in your actions, and to seek feedback again to close the loop and start a new cycle of learning.

4 Review and refine your feedback loop

A feedback loop is not a one-time process, but a continuous and dynamic one. You need to review and refine your feedback loop regularly to make sure it is aligned with your goals and context. You can use questions such as: How often do you collect feedback? How do you ensure the quality and diversity of your feedback? How do you prioritize and act on your feedback? How do you track and celebrate your progress? How do you adapt to changing situations or expectations? The key is to be open and flexible to feedback, and to use it as a catalyst for growth and improvement.

5 Benefits of a feedback loop

A feedback loop can be extremely beneficial for conference speakers, as it can help them understand their audience's needs, identify their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and learn new skills. Additionally, it can assist in tracking performance and outcomes, staying updated and relevant in their field, building confidence and credibility, as well as developing trust with the audience.

6 Challenges of a feedback loop

A feedback loop can also pose some challenges for you as a conference speaker, such as the time-consuming and overwhelming process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing feedback from multiple sources and channels. It can also be difficult to interpret and evaluate feedback objectively, and to receive and act on negative or conflicting feedback. Furthermore, it can be risky to implement changes based on feedback, and frustrating to encounter barriers that prevent you from obtaining feedback. All of these challenges can be hard to face when dealing with emotions or resistance.

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?