A Guide to Call Center Agent Feedback Loops

By Amy King
0 min read
Call center supervisors are inherently very capable systems thinkers. They approach any problems or challenges in their call centers with a systems approach towards resolution. They can very quickly point out the three basic components of their complex call center systems: Inputs, Processes, and Outputs (also known as IPO). However, they often forget a fourth and very critical system component: feedback mechanisms or loops to improve agent coaching.
What is a feedback loop?
An effective feedback loop (or closed feedback loop) works toward positive change by collecting data on an agent’s performance and relaying the data back to the agent in a way that leads to the agent changing their practices based on the new information. Open feedback loops, on the other hand, lack one of these components and therefore miss the opportunity to bring the data full circle.
Call centers operating without closing the feedback loop lose the potential value that can be gained from analyzing past performance. When agents are not informed of the results of their actions, they are not able to improve their performance. To help ensure high performance in your call center, be sure your feedback loops are closed loop systems.