Are you that hospitality manager always seeking ways to solicit feedback while constantly keeping open arms welcoming constructive criticism from customers, associates and possibly close family members? Sure, sometimes receiving feedback is a definite blow to the ego and a downright unpleasant experience. Although you request such feedback, often you might interpret it as an unwarranted attack. But, if you lack receiving timely feedback, you’ll miss whatever opportunity it presents to accurately define your own shortcomings that could help you make needed corrections and thus profit from your mistakes.
Take the example of each and every top athlete in the world at whatever their sport might be. These people actually hire professionals who have the sole purpose but to evaluate their performances and offer a “critique” that acts as the basis for creating a program toward becoming better at what they do. Even the best professional golfers in the world consult with the guy carrying their bag for miles about which club they should select on the next shot.
People who fail are one that typically reject the concept of feedback and always avoid taking personal responsibility for their actions. These same individuals normally have a great challenge admitting to any shortcomings and frequently lash out angrily when confronted with criticism. They are more concerned toward deflecting blame or denying personal responsibility. Many people are way too thin-skinned when receiving feedback taking any criticism way too personally and often misconstrue what may be honest and sincere constructive criticism for a personal attack. These people tend to become overly defensive and quite argumentative feeling a great need to debate the critic’s view of their personal shortcomings when fleshed out in the open air of discussion.
Sure, not all feedback is going to be accurate. Yes. Many people do judge quickly without studying more deeply. Also, not every piece of criticism requires life-changing action. But, a good piece of advice states that successes never the end result of hard work alone. A person must find room to work toward always improving performance even if always working hard.
People should never obstruct receiving criticism and feedback. The very act of never soliciting feedback may be that one self-inflicted obstacle that blocks a person’s true potential. It is an important aspect about true personal growth that you solicit honest feedback from associates, close friends and even your boss. Consider the following tips when you are involved in your next feedback situation:
- Don’t kill the messenger. Focus on the message and do not take it personal
- Avoid becoming defensive and upset. Always consider each and every input
- Never interrupt someone’s feedback message and do not argue with them
- Act like a homicide detective gathering just the facts from the feedback
- Never attempt rationalization as a technique denying personal responsibility
- Ask open-ended questions so you can gain an understanding of how the feedback was formulated. Ask for specific examples of how your critic characterizes you
- Solicit useful suggestions for corrective action you can implement quickly
Always be appreciative for the feedback and advice you receive since you may develop excellent sources that can act as a true and positive sounding board during what should be a long and productive hospitality management career.