Feedback Is a Gift
At dinner in a new Seattle establishment, my scallops came out burnt and bitter. The chef insisted it was βas intendedβ despite a recent review showing a perfectly seared dish. When I considered speaking up about this inconsistency, my table urged me to just "leave a review later". Out of sympathy, discomfort, or habit, the message was clear: avoid "confrontation" in the moment.
But here's the truth: πππ₯ππ²π’π§π ππππππππ€ ππ¨ππ¬π§'π π¦ππ€π π’π πππ¬π’ππ« π¨π« π€π’π§πππ«. It compounds problems. The kitchen keeps serving bad dishes, more diners leave disappointed, and the chance for course correction is missed.
What we call "conflict" can actually be constructive: feedback isnβt about being difficult; itβs about giving someone the chance to improve. When shared with respect and in the moment, feedback is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
