Business Productivity: Create Different Channels for Feedback

How many times have you heard variations on the request: "I would like to get some feedback?" While garnering other's opinions and suggestions can be an incredibly productive activity, it is important to create different ways or channels for individuals to share that feedback. Whether you are wanting to hear what employees think, gather information from customers or clients, or need to get coworkers and colleagues to tell you what they think, by creating various channels for them to share that feedback, you will increase the likelihood of gathering the needed information.

Consider a situation where you are a small business owner who provides certain products and services. Of course you will want to know what your customers think of your offerings, and you may even want to know how they would like to see you change and improve. How can you gather that information? The simplest approach is to ask; you can ask customers when they make purchases if they were happy with the service or some other question to elicit feedback. You can also distribute questionnaires in the store, or you can provide them online. You could also make a follow-up phone call, send and email or invite feedback on your web site. By creating different channels or avenues, you will appeal to different people.

In an office or department, you can also create different channels for employees to offer their feedback. If there is only one way (through a human resources representative, for example), you will probably not reach or attract feedback from everyone. Consider having a suggestion or feedback box, as well as having face-to-face meetings where employee feedback is encouraged. Provide anonymous forms or email invitations as well. Making sure the channels of communication are open means making it easy and accessible for feedback, critique, suggestions and ideas to find their way to the people who can actually implement changes.

Consider ways that you can shake things up and change the channels or avenues as well. If you have always offered customers a questionnaire or survey, consider an online contest for feedback where winners will be drawn randomly and given a prize. Regardless of the situation, creative and versatile channels for gathering feedback can make it more likely you will get the information you need.