Tap the Value of Feedback From Independent Talent

High-value independent contractors who work with an organization over time and across multiple projects often have unique insights that can enhance your business. Many bring experience from various sectors and companies and are eager to share their perspectives. 

You can encourage these contributions by actively seeking feedback from them. But how do you gather this feedback, and how do you use it to benefit everyone involved? Let’s take a look: 

The Benefits of Asking for Feedback From Your Workforce

There are many benefits to asking for feedback from independent contractors on your teams. For example, you can: 

• Boost productivity and efficiency 
• Create space for constructive discussions 
• Improve your team’s problem-solving abilities 
• Spark innovation and new ideas
• Help you and your teams achieve goals more quickly 
• Encourage a culture where feedback is welcomed from all team members 

Check Out: 6 Ways Companies Can Build Strong Contractor Relationships 

How to Get a Good Return on Feedback

Investing time in tapping into the expertise of independent contractors on your team can yield significant benefits. The quality of the feedback you receive largely depends on how you request it. Preparation and focus are key to obtaining actionable insights. 

Meet in real time

Avoid requesting feedback via email or other written communication. Instead, meet in person, whether co-located or through video conferencing. Ask for permission to record the meeting so you can review the conversation later. 

Create a specific goal

Focus on one specific topic or situation when asking for feedback to get clear and useful responses. If your request is too broad, the feedback might be vague and less helpful. 

• Do you want to know how a process can be improved?
• Is there an inefficient pattern of work that you’re not noticing?
• What’s one project that’s giving you trouble, and how can we fix it? 

Ask open-ended questions

Rather than asking yes/no questions, ask open-ended questions that can provide deeper insights and enhance the conversation. For example: 

• What part of our processes needs improvement?
• Where do you see inefficiencies in the way we’re working? 
• What is the team doing well? 

Dig deeper into the insights

The initial response is often just the starting point. Be ready to ask follow-up questions to uncover more details and gain a clearer understanding: 

• How have you seen a similar process work in other projects? 
• What are some ways we can address inefficiencies?
• How can we continue doing what’s working? 

Review the discussion after your meeting

Go back over your recording (or its transcript) and highlight key points. Identify actions that can be implemented immediately as well as those that will require further planning. Then prioritize areas that need refinement to achieve the desire outcome.

Follow up on a regular basis

In addition to thanking your independent contractor for their feedback, follow up at a later point to discuss the actions you’ve taken as a result of the conversation. 

Make Getting Feedback From Your Independent Contractors a Habit

Independent talent can be an important asset to your team and business. Their insights often have a big impact on productivity and project results. Think about scheduling regular feedback sessions, either occasionally or at important project milestones. 

If you need more tips on building the right workforce, MBO Partners has helpful resources to guide you. We offer advice on everything from hiring the right talent to working with independent contractors. Check out our content for easy-to-follow insights to help support your future plans.