by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Oct 4, 2013 | Communication, Customer Service, Small Business
We are never too perfect or the absolute best at everything NOT to ask for feedback from our clients, stakeholders, or teammates. There is always room for improvement and growth on many different levels. Input from your network can offer guidance for better communications, systems and service. When you are passionate about doing your best and providing unsurpassed products and service, then requesting candid feedback is a must.
We need feedback in order to keep ourselves in alignment and not attempt to dance in tunnel vision.
Don’t think of it as criticism, but an opportunity to discover what is working, what isn’t and where you can make corrections, further develop your processes or enhance your performance. If you aren’t asking for input, then you are losing the chance for change.
“Feedback is the food for champions.”
What you do with it is then up to you. Choosing to only ask and then ignore ensures stagnation, a place to remain the same with closed ears. If you want to elevate you and your business, then you need to be prepared to listen, evaluate and take action.
Feedback is a tool to identify strengths, weaknesses, isolate problems, boost execution and improve your operations.
Consider Feedback as a SHARP tool
Specific: when asking for feedback, make sure you request details on what is working and what isn’t. Where did you fail or hit the mark.
Honest: feedback should be nothing but brutal honesty or it is pointless
Actionable: consider each sentiment and statement. Think deeply and take it to heart. What action steps can you implement?
Recovery: know that these learning cues are meant to be authentic, valuable tools, rich with insight to make amends, re-evaluate and upgrade
Progress: feedback allows you the greatest opportunity to instigate change for forward movement. You should feel empowered, like an endorphin rush, with such SHARP information.
Embracing feedback is a gift to you and your business. It reflects your professionalism, your dedication to correcting things and demonstrates your desire for exemplary customer service. Follow up on concerns and implement action, letting your responders know you are committed to change and improvement based upon their helpful feedback.
Leverage feedback to deliver value and exceed expectations.
by Ace Concierge | Virtual Assistant | Sep 17, 2013 | Communication, Leadership, Social Media
When my daughter attended Montessori they had a plaque in the room that said: Be Kind.
So simple, yet so powerful.
Kindness is the basis for all relationships in the home and the workplace. Building long-term, mutual healthy connections relies on a few humble premises. Look at the people around you, past and present: do they resonate with your core values? What is their track record? Have they always been honest and forthright? Any red flags? Have you ever questioned their intentions or honesty?
I believe fundamental honesty is the keystone of business. Harvey S. Firestone
Communication styles vary from person to person, but honesty and truth should always take precedence, no matter your position, status, or relationship (business or personal). What we say and do is explicitly related to the measure of trust we have with others and they have in us. How you interact with someone is a reflection of your character and integrity. If you opt to forgo this most common sense trait, then you forfeit your reputation and connections.
Building credibility and trust requires authenticity, consideration, integrity, and intent. It is to be earned, not assumed. Reputations can be instantly destroyed, sales lost, partnerships dissolved. There is nothing more important than building trust; in your business, in your life.
Strengthening Relationships
- Engage in frequent honest communications
- Express gratitude
- Be well intentioned
- Demonstrate sincere interest
- Be present in the moment
- Actions speak louder than words
- Make sure your actions/decisions backup your words
- Say what you mean and mean what you say
- Transparency is key
- Listen and hear the other party
- Practice best behaviors
- Do what is right for the situation
- Always know the facts, don’t assume anything
- Never make presumptions about someone else’s decisions
- Don’t gossip and create unnecessary drama
- Keep your commitments
- Value and respect another’s time and voice
- Show compassion
- If you don’t know something, say so
- Relationships do NOT succeed on a need to know basis
- Ask yourself why you tend to omit information
- Re-examine yourself before you cast stones
- Clarity and understanding sets the stage – don’t close the curtains
- Vulnerability is a strength
- Spin your life from the heart, not for gain
- It isn’t all about you
- Act don’t react
- Be open to positive change
- If you want trust, be trustworthy
- Ask for feedback
What you get in your life is not a result of what you want, it is a result of Who You Are. ~ Marlon Smith
