Constructive Criticism
— It’s a two way street, whether delivering or receiving the message —
GOODBYE.
It’s a simple word, one we typically use to end a conversation when speaking on the phone.
Like most of us, I rarely gave a thought to saying it. It was, reflexive, something one learns to say as part of those thousands of small courtesies that are drilled into us as children.
Over time, I developed a bad habit, most assuredly not one taught to me by my parents. When talking to someone, when I sensed the conversation was over — I just hung up.
This continued until one day when I was speaking on the phone with my asset protection supervisor. During that call, he said he wanted to discuss something with me. He politely told me that I have this bad habit of hanging up on people at the end of a phone conversation without saying goodbye. He went on to say that I should give that habit some thought, as it can be perceived by many as rude. He ended by saying, ‘I’m not sure if you are aware you do it or not, but thought I should mention it.’
I wasn’t aware of it until he brought it to my attention.
I appreciated how he approached it. Had he told me this in any way other than the way in which he did, I would have received it poorly. As we had worked together for a while, and he knew I was open to change, he took a chance and talked to me. I regret that I never got the chance to thank him for that insight, all those years ago.
With that, I started actively listening in every conversation, focusing on the person on the other end, rather than my own impatience. I realized that every conversation is, well, a personal connection, and not just another intrusion on my time. So, from that point on, I made it a point to say GOODBYE at the end of every conversation, and to thank the other person for his or her time.
Constructive criticism is not a bad thing. It can be great for self improvement. Sometimes we have to be open and honest with ourselves and not take ourselves too seriously.
What about you? What stories do you have?
