Striving for Excellence: Embracing Feedback in Business
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Understanding "The Best" in Professionalism
Recently, I engaged our core team members in a discussion about what "the best" signifies in terms of professionalism and job performance. I received a variety of responses, yet a recurring theme emerged: the significance of knowing they fully committed to a project. Many also highlighted the importance of being receptive to constructive criticism as a means to improve and reach their highest potential.
The Reality of Subjective Work and Self-Expectations
In the business world, there's often an unspoken pressure to achieve perfection from the outset. This mindset tends to impact professionals in service-oriented sectors the most. Clients hire us for our expertise, leading to the belief that we should present flawless work every time.
When establishing new or nurturing existing client relationships, service providers often realize that clients may not have a clear understanding of their needs. Engaging in thoughtful questioning can help clients articulate their expectations. I find it effective to present examples and ask for their preferences, which aids in clarifying their vision.
Next comes the "shitty first draft," a crucial step in shaping the concept. In social media, this may manifest as a design, video, ad campaign, or engaging content. Each of these is subject to personal interpretation, making it challenging to hit the mark on the first attempt. Despite knowing that client preferences play a significant role in the approval process, I often feel the pressure to deliver perfection right away.
However, it is unrealistic to expect subjective work to be flawless on the first pass. Thus, being open to feedback and willing to refine our output is essential for achieving excellence.
The Case for Maintaining High Standards
While we should allow ourselves some leniency regarding immediate perfection, it is crucial that this does not lead to cutting corners or rushing through tasks. Our commitment to excellence and alignment with client expectations must remain steadfast. I find it disheartening when someone delivers subpar work, claiming it’s merely a “rough draft.”
Furthermore, complacency is not an option. Familiarity with a client’s preferences should not lead to laziness. Our goal must always be to excel and exceed expectations—every single time.
What "Being the Best" Means to Me
To me, being the best is about thinking creatively, proactively acquiring new skills, and striving to surpass personal benchmarks. At #Strella Social Media, our core value emphasizes a commitment to being coachable. Despite our expertise, we must remain open to constructive feedback that can enhance our skills and bridge gaps in our knowledge.
The Power of Collaboration
At #Strella, we cherish our partnerships with clients. Successful social media outcomes depend on mutual effort and cooperation. While my team is responsible for the heavy lifting, it is vital for clients to stay engaged and involved. If they perceive social media as something to outsource and forget, they may not achieve the desired results.
Our most successful collaborations occur when clients share their vision and provide essential resources—such as images or videos—that enable us to deliver our best work. We welcome their feedback during our monthly project reviews, allowing us to refine our strategies.
My Vision for #Strella Social Media
When you think of "the best," I want #Strella Social Media to come to mind. I encourage both my team and clients to actively participate in making this vision a reality. Together, we can achieve greatness!
What thoughts arise when you consider "the best"?
Chapter 1: The Importance of Feedback
In this chapter, we explore the critical role feedback plays in professional growth and project success.
The first video titled "Do Your Best and BE YOUR BEST" discusses the concept of striving for excellence and personal growth. It emphasizes the significance of feedback in achieving one's best potential.
Chapter 2: Collaborative Success
This chapter focuses on the necessity of collaboration between service providers and clients for optimal outcomes.
The second video, "I Finally Know What 'Do Your Best' Really Means," delves into understanding what it truly means to give your best effort and the role of partnership in success.