Make a Plan to Obtain Feedback on Projects

A work project is not finished until it has been evaluated and an important part of the evaluation process is to obtain feedback from those who can add valuable insight to the success (or non-success) of the project. Instead of a scattered effort after the fact to try to gather feedback and critical information, consider how you can make a plan to obtain that feedback at the onset of project planning and implementation.

What this means is that the planning process should include ideas and goals for how to gather feedback from customers, clients, participants and others in order to make sure that either the objectives have been met, or that the project deserves to continue. Identify what the ultimate goals of the project are (Are you trying to create a new product or service? Are you moving into a new market area? Are you crating something new or improving something that already exists?)

As you plan for the project implementation, decide who's feedback you value and how to gather that information both during the project creation and after the project is supposedly completed. Sure, a focus group can be useful but many project managers use this technique in the planning process and not necessarily as part of the follow up after the project has been completed.

Consider whether you will use traditional evaluation techniques such as surveys, feedback cards, etc. or whether you want to contact individuals directly to get their feedback on the project's success. Are there key people or influential individuals who will have information that matters? Develop a strategy for how to garner that feedback BEFORE you actually need it-this way you will be able to obtain the feedback information and have it handy as you evaluate your project and move forward. You may find that future projects, budgeting, funding, and other elements will depend on being able to prove how successfully you have worked on previous projects and having that feedback handy will be a good way to share your working successes. This way, it isn't just your "word" or your data that speaks for the project, it also the valued word of colleagues, experts, customers, clients and others.