Imagine having a roadmap for your career growth, filled with insights on what you’re doing well and where you could improve—that’s the power of seeking feedback in the pub and hospitality industry. Whether you’re a bartender refining your service skills, a server building stronger guest connections, or a manager working to inspire your team, input from managers and colleagues can transform your performance from good to exceptional.
Here’s why actively seeking feedback can set you apart and accelerate your career in hospitality.
See What Others See
When you’re working a busy shift in the pub, you’re often focused on the immediate: getting drinks to tables, taking orders, handling the till. But what you see from your own perspective is only part of the picture. Seeking feedback from managers and colleagues allows you to gain an outside view of how you’re performing.
Your manager might notice if you’re quick on your feet, but they may also see areas for improvement that you’re unaware of, like better time management during peak hours. Colleagues working alongside you could have insights into how you communicate, how well you keep your station organised, or how effectively you’re contributing to team dynamics.
Accelerate Your Skills Development
Feedback doesn’t just have to come from formal reviews; often, the best insights come from quick conversations with co-workers or a manager after a shift. When someone points out a skill you could improve, you get a clear roadmap for action.
Build Stronger Relationships with Your Team
When you seek out feedback, it shows you are open to learning, which can help you build stronger, more trusting relationships with your colleagues and managers. Your colleagues will appreciate it if they see you putting in effort to improve based on their input. Similarly, managers are more likely to trust and invest in employees who seek feedback, as it shows dedication and a willingness to learn. This rapport can make your team more cohesive and create opportunities for mentorship and growth.
Changing Expectations in Hospitality
New trends, customer expectations, and even changes in local regulations require that staff adapt quickly. Feedback from managers helps you stay aligned with these changes.
For example, if a pub is focusing more on craft cocktails or emphasising customer experience, your manager might suggest developing new skills or improving certain practices. This can help you stay adaptable and maintain a high standard in your work—making you an invaluable asset to your team.
Feedback Can Open Up New Opportunities
Managers in the hospitality industry are on the lookout for employees who go above and beyond. By actively seeking feedback, you make it clear that you’re serious about growing in your role. This proactive approach can lead to new responsibilities, promotions, or even mentorship opportunities.
If you consistently show an aptitude for creating memorable customer experiences, your manager may recommend you for a leadership role. If you excel at handling high-stress situations, you could be trusted with managing peak times.
As you move up, having experience in receiving and incorporating feedback will serve you well when you’re in a managerial role yourself. You’ll be better equipped to give constructive feedback, understand team dynamics, and support others in their growth. This well-rounded experience can be key to becoming a successful leader, whether as a shift supervisor, bar manager, or even pub owner.
If you know someone like this in your pub, why not nominate them for the Workforce Hero award, dedicated to highlighting those who go above and beyond, and have great potential in the hospitality industry. Find out more and see our Workforce Heroes here.
Develop Resilience and a Growth Mindset
Actively seeking feedback—even if it’s not always easy to hear—can help you build resilience and a growth mindset. Constructive feedback isn’t criticism; it’s a tool for improvement. By learning to welcome feedback, you develop the ability to handle both praise and areas for improvement with an open mind. This resilience makes you better equipped to handle tough situations, bounce back from mistakes, and continuously refine such a fast-paced industry.
Refine Your Customer Service Skills to Boost Tips and Reviews
The way you engage with customers—whether it’s your friendliness, attentiveness, or ability to handle complaints—plays a significant role in their experience. Feedback from colleagues and managers can give you specific insights, like “Try to engage the table more at the beginning,” or “Spend more time with customers who seem to have questions.”
Fine-tuning these interpersonal skills doesn’t just improve customer satisfaction; it can lead to higher tips and positive reviews, which are highly valued in pubs and restaurants.
Tips for Seeking Feedback in a Constructive Way
While feedback is valuable, it’s essential to seek it in a way that allows for constructive conversations. Here are some quick tips:
- Be Specific: Instead of asking for general feedback, try to ask specific questions like, “How could I improve my time management during rush hours?” or “Is there anything I could do to make customers feel more welcome?”
- Choose the Right Time: When a shift is busy, it might not be the best time to ask for feedback. Instead, try to have a quiet moment, perhaps after a shift or during a team meeting, to get thoughtful responses.
- Stay Open and Receptive: Accepting feedback can sometimes feel personal but try to remember that it’s a tool for growth. Listen carefully and reflect on the advice given, even if it feels challenging.
- Show Appreciation: A simple “Thank you for the feedback” goes a long way in showing respect and appreciation to those who take the time to help you grow.
- Act on It: Putting feedback into action is crucial. It’s not enough to just hear feedback—you need to implement it in your day-to-day work to show that you’re serious about improvement.
