What do you do if your peers criticize your Transportation Management decisions?

1 Acknowledge the feedback

The first step is to acknowledge the feedback and thank your peers for sharing their opinions and perspectives. Even if you disagree with them or feel offended by their tone, try to stay calm and professional. Avoid being defensive or dismissive, as this may escalate the conflict and damage your relationships. Instead, show that you are open to learning and willing to consider different points of view.

2 Clarify the facts

The next step is to clarify the facts and understand the basis of the criticism. Ask your peers to explain their concerns and provide specific examples or evidence to support their claims. You may also ask them to suggest alternative solutions or approaches that they think would work better. Listen actively and attentively, and try to identify any gaps, errors, or misunderstandings in your TM decisions. You may also share your own rationale and assumptions, and highlight any constraints or trade-offs that you had to deal with.

3 Evaluate the feedback

The third step is to evaluate the feedback and decide how to respond to it. Not all criticism is valid or useful, so you need to use your own judgment and expertise to assess its relevance, accuracy, and value. You may also seek input from other sources, such as your supervisor, customers, or industry standards, to verify or challenge the feedback. If you find that the feedback is justified and helpful, you can use it to improve your TM decisions and outcomes. If you find that the feedback is unfounded or biased, you can politely disagree and explain your reasons.

4 Communicate your actions

The final step is to communicate your actions and follow up with your peers. Let them know what changes you have made or plan to make based on their feedback, and how these changes will benefit your TM goals and objectives. Alternatively, let them know why you have decided not to make any changes, and how your current TM decisions are aligned with your TM strategy and best practices. Thank them again for their feedback, and invite them to keep the communication open and collaborative.

Peer criticism can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it can also be an opportunity to learn and grow as a TM professional. By following these tips, you can handle peer criticism in a positive and productive way, and enhance your TM skills and performance.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?