In any business, feedback is important and this is especially important for the construction industry. The term itself refers to the interaction between systems and their corresponding surroundings. If the surrounding effect of the system is then fed back to it as an input, it can directly contribute to shaping its future output.
Feedback can be both negative and positive. Negative feedback is explained as feedback used to correct issues from a sought-after outcome which would alter the entire process itself. But positive feedback is considered a key feature of experiences and knowledge that have vital components for altering the future system.
It is through the process of feedback that improvements can be made in construction projects, and technical solutions can be introduced. Feedback can cause new working methods to be applied to increase production efficiency.
The implementation of the feedback can be approached to make sure that the construction process is effective and efficient although, it can be a challenge for this business sector. The construction industry is known for its ability to tackle any problem but often with cost overruns and delays.
Clients are now more than ever seeking clearer evidence of quality enhancements to suppress their doubts and uncertainties. And for a construction business to stay competitive it needs to improve faster than its competitors. Thus, learning to always improve is critical for the construction trade. Knowledge can help an organization to grow continuously by helping it avoid the same mistakes through the improvement of its activities and operations.
If you are unsure of how to implement feedback from your clients here are 4 tips for you to go through.
- Collect
Collect the feedback from your current and previous clients. You can ask them for feedback during or after the bidding process or project. You can also collect their reviews through innovative ideas such as online platforms where you can directly engage with your current and previous customers. - Consolidate and develop
Consolidate all the feedback from your current and previous customers and analyze their comments.
The feedback that concerns possible issues about your service or product can be used to improve it. Additional functions or features can be included in the feedback from your clients. You can use this to determine how you will prioritize and align your resources for development and improvement. - Collaboration
Incorporate the feedback into your business strategy. Have your different departments work together to improve your service or product. It helps reduce the delays in implementing improvements between departments. Having all the concerned sectors of your business involved is one way to ensure that the entire business works together to improve and elevate your company.
Feedback is used to develop routines in the business where this process is then embedded in their day-to-day operating model. So, that it pushes the internal teams and governance structure to encourage the executive leadership to “approve” the improvement changes rather than them taking on the heavy role of transforming the entire business. Which would lead the executive department to be more engaged with the operations of the business. - Decisions
Lastly, you can also use feedback from your customers and their experience with your service to make serious changes in how you run your business. You can revolutionize your company using innovative ideas, and or refine or radically change your business’s vision, mission, and goals. The feedback can be used to drive change within your business organization for the better
Sum it up
Feedback is the application of information or knowledge to the construction management or design. However, the conditions for using the learning experiences from mistakes are more favorable for off-site construction than on-site construction. This makes it a vital element in cultivating continuous improvement for the construction industry.
Defects are primary drivers for experience feedback. They can provide clear proof that the construction process has shortcomings. Thus, there is a need for change in this industry and in striving to apply new methods of improvement. Feedback then becomes integral in the change for further development.
It doesn’t matter what size or industry your business is in. It should be placed as part of your business processes. Feedback is a real treasure, full of innovative ideas. It helps you see your business strategy from a different perspective and gives you tools to make the changes that are necessary for the success of your company.
Shivendra helps construction companies and contractors win more projects and grow profitably. Regarded as a master of practical implementation, Shivendra has guided organizations such as Downer and Siemens as well as smaller contractors to achieve double-digit improvements to their bottom line. Underpinning his extensive industry experience are qualifications in engineering and a Ph.D. focused on rapid cost improvement techniques. He is the author of two books, The Competitive Contractor and From Paper to Profit, host of the Competitive Contractor podcast, and the founder of Shivendra & Co and The Constructors Network. You can find more about Shivendra & Co. at www.shivendra.com.