How do you get feedback from financial staff and advisors?

1 Understand their roles and goals

The first step to getting feedback from financial staff and advisors is to understand their roles and goals in the healthcare organization. Financial staff and advisors may include accountants, auditors, analysts, consultants, and planners who are responsible for various aspects of financial management, such as budgeting, reporting, forecasting, compliance, and strategy. Their goals may vary depending on their specific functions, but generally they aim to ensure the financial health, stability, and sustainability of the organization. By understanding their roles and goals, you can appreciate their perspectives, align your expectations, and establish common ground for feedback.

2 Define the purpose and scope of feedback

The second step to getting feedback from financial staff and advisors is to define the purpose and scope of feedback. Feedback can serve different purposes, such as to inform, to evaluate, to improve, or to motivate. Depending on the purpose, the scope of feedback may vary in terms of frequency, format, content, and criteria. For example, if you want feedback to inform your decision-making, you may need more frequent and timely feedback that covers relevant data and analysis. If you want feedback to evaluate your performance, you may need less frequent but more formal feedback that follows specific standards and benchmarks. By defining the purpose and scope of feedback, you can communicate your needs and expectations clearly and avoid confusion and misunderstanding.

3 Choose the appropriate channels and methods

The third step to getting feedback from financial staff and advisors is to choose the appropriate channels and methods for feedback. Feedback can be delivered through different channels, such as face-to-face, phone, email, or online platforms. Feedback can also use different methods, such as verbal, written, numerical, or visual. The choice of channel and method depends on several factors, such as the availability, preference, and comfort of the feedback provider and receiver, the complexity and sensitivity of the feedback, and the intended outcome and impact of the feedback. By choosing the appropriate channel and method for feedback, you can ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of feedback.

4 Ask open-ended and specific questions

The fourth step to getting feedback from financial staff and advisors is to ask open-ended and specific questions. Open-ended questions are questions that invite more than a yes or no answer, such as how, what, why, and where. Specific questions are questions that focus on a particular aspect, issue, or situation, rather than general or vague ones. By asking open-ended and specific questions, you can elicit more detailed, relevant, and useful feedback from financial staff and advisors. You can also demonstrate your interest, curiosity, and respect for their opinions and expertise.

5 Listen actively and empathetically

The fifth step to getting feedback from financial staff and advisors is to listen actively and empathetically. Active listening is listening with attention, concentration, and comprehension. Empathetic listening is listening with understanding, respect, and appreciation. By listening actively and empathetically, you can show your appreciation and recognition for the feedback provider's time and effort, as well as their knowledge and skills. You can also avoid interrupting, judging, or arguing with the feedback provider, which can damage the relationship and trust. Instead, you can ask clarifying questions, summarize key points, and express gratitude for the feedback.

6 Apply and follow up on feedback

The sixth step to getting feedback from financial staff and advisors is to apply and follow up on feedback. Applying feedback means taking action based on the feedback, such as making changes, improvements, or adjustments to your financial management practices or processes. Following up on feedback means checking in with the feedback provider to update them on your progress, results, or challenges, as well as to seek further feedback or support if needed. By applying and following up on feedback, you can demonstrate your commitment and accountability to your financial goals and performance, as well as your respect and appreciation for the feedback provider's input and guidance.

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?