Feedback—it’s such a simple thing, yet in today’s world, it almost feels like a luxury. I’ve always been the type to keep my ears open, especially when it comes to feedback from close friends or loyal patrons. I truly believe that “when you know better, you do better.” But lately, I’ve noticed something—asking for feedback seems to come at a price.
Why Does Feedback Feel “Expensive” These Days?
Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like businesses are getting a little too comfortable not asking their customers, “Hey, how was it?” Maybe it’s because:
- Hearing feedback means inviting noise—and noise can mess with the narrative they’re trying to “educate” us on.
- Asking for feedback can seem “weak”—like admitting that things aren’t perfect. And in an industry obsessed with perfection, who wants that?
But here’s the thing: asking for feedback doesn’t make you weak; it puts you in control. You get to filter out the noise. If the feedback is constructive? Amazing, now you have something to work with. If it’s just negative for the sake of being negative? Say thank you, be kind, and move on. No need to take it personally—especially when it comes to work. Work is work, not an emotional battlefield.
For Those Who Aren’t Always on the Floor…
If you’re not present every minute in the day-to-day operations, then asking your close friends or loyal patrons for feedback is probably the best way to stay connected to reality. Not only does it give you a pulse check on how things are going, but it also helps strengthen relationships with the people who actually care about your business. It’s a win-win: you get honest insights, and they feel valued and heard—because at the end of the day, what’s more genuine than someone who actually gives a damn about their work?
But What If the Feedback Is… Useless?
Ah, the classic “It’s different than before… I don’t know, just different.”
I mean… okay? Do we look like mind readers? No. But here’s what we can do:
- Control what we can control.
- Don’t let feelings become facts.
- When receiving vague feedback, just say thank you, check with the BOH team (Back of House, for those outside the industry), and see if anything actually changed.
- If the recipe hasn’t changed? Move on.
At the end of the day, feedback is a tool—it’s not an attack. The best way to deal with it is to listen, assess, and detach from the drama. Keep your head in the game, keep your ego out of it, and remember: the best in the business are always open to learning.
