Field Service Engineers are often given feedback. How can you avoid the most common mistakes?

Feedback is an essential part of any field service engineer's job. It helps you improve your skills, learn from your mistakes, and build trust with your clients and managers. However, not all feedback is constructive, clear, or fair. Sometimes, you may face criticism that is vague, harsh, or irrelevant. How can you avoid the most common mistakes when receiving and responding to feedback? Here are some tips to help you handle feedback effectively and professionally.

1 Be prepared

Before you go to a field service assignment, make sure you have all the necessary tools, information, and instructions. Review the scope, specifications, and expectations of the project. If you have any questions or doubts, ask your manager or client for clarification. Being prepared will reduce the chances of making errors, missing deadlines, or disappointing your customers.

Add your perspective

Sangita Singh

Manager, Business Operations@Qualcomm Technologies
Report contribution
Give feedback promptly and specifically, focusing on actions not personality, offering both positive and constructive criticism, providing examples for clarity, encouraging dialogue, setting clear expectations, offering support, following up regularly, and delivering feedback respectfully to maintain a positive relationship

Like

2 Listen actively

When you receive feedback, whether it is positive or negative, listen carefully and attentively. Don't interrupt, argue, or get defensive. Try to understand the perspective and intention of the person giving you feedback. Ask open-ended questions to clarify any points that are unclear or confusing. Repeat back what you heard to confirm your understanding. Listening actively will show that you respect and value the feedback, and that you are willing to learn from it.

Add your perspective

Mario Carazo

Ing Consultor Ventas Industriales - Gestion Mantenimiento Industrial - Planeación y Ejecución proyectos -Ing Automotriz- Mejora Continua - Capacitación -Eficiencia energética
Report contribution
Yes, the most common mistakes come from bad understanding and bad listening, because we always hide on mind the details and do the job in a bad manner, always keeping our experience or paradigms

Like

3 Evaluate objectively

After you listen to the feedback, take some time to evaluate it objectively. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Consider the source, context, and validity of the feedback. Is it based on facts, observations, or opinions? Is it relevant, specific, or actionable? Is it consistent, fair, or accurate? Evaluate the feedback objectively and decide what you can use to improve your performance, and what you can ignore or discard.

Add your perspective

4 Respond appropriately

Once you evaluate the feedback, respond appropriately. Thank the person for giving you feedback, and acknowledge their point of view. If you agree with the feedback, explain how you will implement it or what actions you will take to correct your mistakes. If you disagree with the feedback, explain why politely and respectfully, and provide evidence or examples to support your position. If you need more time to think or research, ask for a follow-up meeting or conversation. Responding appropriately will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Add your perspective

5 Follow up

After you respond to the feedback, follow up on it. If you agreed to make changes or improvements, do them as soon as possible and report back to the person who gave you feedback. If you disagreed with the feedback, monitor your situation and see if you need to adjust your approach or strategy. If you asked for more time or information, get back to the person with your findings or conclusions. Following up will show that you take feedback seriously and that you are accountable for your results.

Add your perspective

6 Seek feedback

Finally, don't wait for feedback to come to you. Seek feedback proactively and regularly. Ask your clients, managers, and peers for their opinions, suggestions, and recommendations. Use different methods and tools, such as surveys, ratings, reviews, or testimonials, to collect feedback. Seek feedback from different sources and perspectives, and compare and contrast them. Seeking feedback will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and enhance your skills and knowledge.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

Field Service Engineers are often given feedback. How can you avoid the most common mistakes?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be prepared

2 Listen actively

3 Evaluate objectively

4 Respond appropriately

5 Follow up

6 Seek feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Field Service Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Field Service Engineering

More relevant reading

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be prepared

2 Listen actively

3 Evaluate objectively

4 Respond appropriately

5 Follow up

6 Seek feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Field Service Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills