What do you do if your feedback to vendors is not constructive?

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify what makes the feedback not constructive. Is it too general or too specific? Is it based on facts or opinions? Is it relevant to the scope and goals of the project? Is it timely or outdated? Is it respectful or rude? By asking yourself these questions, you can pinpoint the source of the problem and decide how to address it.

2 Clarify your expectations

If you are giving feedback to vendors, you need to make sure that you are clear about what you expect from them and why. You should also provide concrete examples, measurable criteria, and actionable suggestions. This way, you can avoid confusion, misunderstanding, and frustration on both sides. You should also invite questions, feedback, and suggestions from the vendors, as this can help you build trust and rapport.

3 Seek feedback from others

If you are receiving feedback from vendors, you may want to seek feedback from other sources as well. This can help you validate, compare, and contrast the feedback you received and gain a broader perspective. You can ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, customers, or other stakeholders who are involved in the project or have relevant expertise. You can also use data, metrics, or benchmarks to support your feedback.

4 Respond professionally

Whether you are giving or receiving feedback, you should always respond professionally and respectfully. You should avoid being defensive, dismissive, or aggressive, as this can damage your vendor relationships and reputation. Instead, you should acknowledge the feedback, thank the giver, and express your willingness to learn and improve. You should also ask for clarification, explanation, or examples if you need them, and propose solutions or alternatives if you disagree.

5 Follow up and monitor

The last step is to follow up and monitor the feedback process. You should document the feedback, the actions taken, and the results achieved. You should also communicate regularly with the vendors and update them on the progress and challenges. You should also seek and provide feedback on a regular basis, as this can help you maintain a constructive feedback loop and foster a positive vendor relationship.

6 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?