Feedback from peers can be a valuable source of learning and improvement for customer service professionals. However, receiving feedback is not enough. You also need to act on it and show that you appreciate and value the input of your colleagues. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to ensure positive feedback from peers is acted upon.
The first step to act on feedback is to acknowledge it. Thank the person who gave you the feedback, either verbally or in writing, and express your gratitude for their time and effort. Show that you are open and receptive to their suggestions and that you respect their perspective. Avoid being defensive, dismissive, or argumentative, as this can damage your relationship and discourage future feedback.
Expressing gratitude for their time and effort demonstrates openness and appreciation for their input. It's essential to convey receptiveness to their suggestions and respect for their perspective, avoiding defensive or dismissive reactions that may hinder future feedback. By embracing feedback with an open mind and appreciative attitude, you can strengthen relationships and drive continual improvement in customer service skills.
The second step to act on feedback is to clarify it. Ask questions to understand the feedback better and to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion. For example, you can ask for specific examples, details, or evidence to support the feedback. You can also ask for clarification on what the person expects from you, what their goals are, and how they measure success. By clarifying the feedback, you can ensure that you and the person who gave it are on the same page and that you have a clear action plan.
Asking questions to seek specific examples, details, or evidence helps to grasp the feedback's context and intent accurately. Additionally, inquiring about the person's expectations, goals, and criteria for success provides valuable insights into how to address their concerns effectively. By clarifying feedback, you can align perspectives, identify actionable steps, and establish a clear action plan for improvement in customer service skills. This proactive approach enhances communication and fosters a collaborative environment for growth and development.
The third step to act on feedback is to implement it. Take action on the feedback and apply it to your work and performance. For example, you can make changes to your behavior, attitude, skills, or processes based on the feedback. You can also seek additional resources, training, or support to help you improve. You can also set specific and measurable goals and track your progress and results. By implementing the feedback, you can demonstrate that you are committed to learning and growing.
Taking concrete actions such as adjusting behavior, attitude, skills, or processes based on the feedback demonstrates a commitment to growth and development. Seeking additional resources, training, or support can further facilitate improvement in areas identified through feedback. Setting specific and measurable goals allows for tracking progress and measuring results, ensuring continuous advancement. By actively implementing feedback, you not only enhance your own performance but also reinforce a culture of learning and improvement within the organization.
The fourth step to act on feedback is to share it. Share the feedback with your manager, team, or other relevant stakeholders and inform them of the actions you have taken or plan to take. This can help you to get more feedback, guidance, or recognition from others and to align your efforts with the organizational objectives and values. Sharing the feedback can also help you to create a culture of feedback in your workplace and to inspire others to seek and act on feedback as well.
To make sure that positive feedback from coworkers is used, it's important to share it with the right people in a helpful and timely way. Write down the good things your coworkers said, including any ideas for getting better or areas where people should be thanked. Talk to the person or team who deserves the recognition. Show them how their actions helped and how important they are to the company. Talk about the good things in the feedback and how to make them even better by addressing any areas that need to be fixed. Show your appreciation for the positive feedback by talking about it in team meetings or in company-wide communications.
The fifth step to act on feedback is to follow up on it. Check in with the person who gave you the feedback and update them on your progress and outcomes. Ask for their feedback again and see if they have noticed any changes or improvements in your performance. Solicit their suggestions for further improvement and thank them for their ongoing support. By following up on the feedback, you can show that you value their opinion and that you are willing to keep learning and improving.
The sixth and final step to act on feedback is to celebrate it. Recognize and reward yourself for the positive changes and results you have achieved based on the feedback. Celebrate your achievements and milestones with your peers, manager, or team and acknowledge their contribution to your success. Celebrate the feedback itself and appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow from it. By celebrating the feedback, you can boost your motivation and confidence and foster a positive attitude towards feedback.
Say what you mean and mean what you say! I was raised to never lower your bar so everyone fits, keep the bar high. Be the light to lead family and friends.