Casual Fridays - Positive and Negative Feedback
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Just me on Friday, February 25, 2011 6:00 PM
While on our recent trip, Greg and I asked for the bill after a meal at a little cantina and it was presented on the little digital tray-thingy you see pictured here. My husband declared me a “geek” when I grabbed my iPhone and took a photo of the tray-thingy…but I recognize a blog post in the making when I see one! The tray-thingy was in fact a high tech feedback system, asking us to provide an immediate digital evaluation of our meal, the service we’d received, the value, the atmosphere and our overall experience.
I pondered the ingenuity of the person who designed such a great way to get immediate data from customers, and then also thought about the poor waitress, who made extra-sure that our drinks were filled and that she’d given us a very nice smile as she handed us our bill. She was probably well aware of the power of the “tray thingy” and it’s power over her paycheck. I’m sure her manager takes into account more than customers’ surveys in assessing her performance, but I wondered what impact it would have if we’d thought it funny to leave a negative survey.
I also stopped to ponder the ways in which we each give and receive feedback. Those who work outside the home are likely evaluated on a regular basis and may note achievement with increased compensation or promotions. For moms who work at home, it’s not too often that we get a “Wow, Mom, you changed that diaper really well!” or a “Hey honey, thanks for cleaning that bathroom so thoroughly!”. Our performance evaluations are few and far between, and all too often we may judge (or congratulate) ourselves based upon our children’s accomplishments and milestones. Who among us hasn’t shuddered when her child was the last to give up his bottle or be potty trained?
The tray-thingy also reminded me to be more forthcoming with positive feedback when I am on the receiving end of great service. A simple “thank you” and a well-placed compliment to a restaurant’s manager could really help a waitress who’s having a long day. My pastor may not need my compliment when he gives an amazing homily, but I’m sure it’s nice for him to hear positive feedback too! And even my spouse, who makes my life better in so many ways each day, deserves an “atta boy!” when he fixes a household problem or gets the oil changed on my car.
So since the tray-thingy, I’ve been on the lookout for opportunities to give feedback and to thank those I see every day who are working hard to go the extra mile. In the grocery checkout line, at the bank, at the dry cleaner, or even in my own kitchen, catching someone doing the right thing and with excellence makes me smile.
How about you? Do you have a feedback system at your work? Do you and your spouse remember to compliment one another? Do you go out of your way to thank people who have provided a service to you? How do you handle occasional negative feedback and view it as a way to improve yourself?
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