How do you turn feedback into action?

1 Identify the source

The first step is to identify the source of the feedback. Is it coming from your manager, your peers, your customers, or yourself? Each source has a different perspective, motive, and credibility, so you need to evaluate the feedback accordingly. For example, your manager may have more experience and insight than your peers, but your customers may have more direct and honest feedback than your manager.

2 Clarify the message

The second step is to clarify the message of the feedback. What is the main point or issue that the feedback is addressing? Is it clear, specific, and actionable, or vague, general, and subjective? You need to ask questions, paraphrase, and summarize the feedback to make sure you understand it correctly. For example, if your manager says you need to improve your closing skills, you need to ask what exactly that means and how you can measure it.

4 Decide the action

The fourth step is to decide the action that you will take based on the feedback. What are the specific steps, changes, or improvements that you will implement to address the feedback? How will you prioritize, plan, and execute them? You need to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and actions that will help you improve your sales outcomes. For example, if your peer says you need to work on your rapport-building skills, you need to set a goal of asking more open-ended questions and listening more actively to your prospects.

5 Seek support

The fifth step is to seek support for your action plan. Who can help you achieve your goals, monitor your progress, and provide you with feedback along the way? You need to identify and leverage the resources, tools, and people that can support your sales development and growth. For example, you can use a CRM system to track your sales activities, join a sales training program to learn new skills, or ask your mentor to coach you on specific challenges.

6 Review the results

The sixth and final step is to review the results of your action plan. How did your actions affect your sales performance and skills? Did you achieve your goals, overcome your weaknesses, or seize your opportunities? You need to measure and evaluate the results of your actions using quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as sales metrics, customer feedback, or self-reflection. For example, you can use a sales dashboard to see how your closing rate improved, ask your customers for testimonials or referrals, or write a journal entry about your sales achievements and learnings.

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?