How do you get valuable feedback?

1 Ask for feedback

The first step to getting valuable feedback is to ask for it. Don't wait for someone else to initiate the conversation or assume that no feedback means good feedback. Be proactive and request feedback from your customers, managers, peers, or mentors. You can ask for feedback after a phone call, at the end of a project, or during a performance review. You can also use surveys, polls, or ratings to collect feedback from your customers. When you ask for feedback, be clear about what you want to know, how you want to receive it, and when you expect it.

2 Listen to feedback

The second step to getting valuable feedback is to listen to it. Listening to feedback means paying attention to what the other person is saying, without interrupting, arguing, or getting defensive. It also means being open-minded and curious, without judging, dismissing, or taking it personally. Listening to feedback shows respect and appreciation for the other person's time and perspective. It also helps you understand the feedback better and ask clarifying questions if needed.

3 Evaluate feedback

The third step to getting valuable feedback is to evaluate it. Evaluating feedback means analyzing the information and deciding what to do with it. It also means separating the useful feedback from the useless feedback. Useful feedback is specific, relevant, actionable, and respectful. It tells you what you did well, what you need to improve, and how you can improve. Useless feedback is vague, irrelevant, biased, or unconstructive. It tells you nothing, contradicts itself, or insults you. To evaluate feedback, you need to consider the source, the context, the evidence, and the goal.

4 Apply feedback

The fourth step to getting valuable feedback is to apply it. Applying feedback means taking action based on the feedback and making changes to your behavior, skills, or strategies. It also means setting goals, measuring progress, and tracking results. Applying feedback shows that you are willing to learn and grow from your feedback. It also helps you improve your phone etiquette and customer service skills and achieve better outcomes.

5 Follow up on feedback

The fifth step to getting valuable feedback is to follow up on it. Following up on feedback means communicating with the person who gave you the feedback and updating them on your actions and results. It also means thanking them for their feedback and asking for more feedback in the future. Following up on feedback shows that you value and appreciate the feedback and that you are committed to improving. It also helps you build trust and rapport with the person who gave you the feedback and maintain a positive relationship.

6 Seek feedback

The sixth step to getting valuable feedback is to seek feedback. Seeking feedback means looking for opportunities to get more feedback from different sources, perspectives, and methods. It also means being proactive, curious, and humble, and embracing feedback as a learning tool. Seeking feedback shows that you are not satisfied with the status quo and that you are always striving to improve. It also helps you expand your knowledge, skills, and horizons and achieve your full potential.

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?