From Critique to Sustainability Triumph

Pretty early on, I realized that owning a business came with a lot of power and a lot of responsibility. I owe it to my 75 employees to ensure that they have benefits, a healthy workplace and a good livelihood. I owe it to my consumers to deliver a product that is fair, sustainable and high quality. I owe it to myself to do the right thing at every turn.?

Heavy.?

I knew I loved my business when I realized that giving consumers a product that does right by the world, (supply chain, environment, community generosity) gives them the ability to do the right thing, too; even with an everyday indulgence. I have had the great privilege of creating a company that does everything that I want, without compromise.

Six years ago, I got a letter from a woman named Betty in Oregon. In the letter, she enclosed one of our Seattle Chocolate bar wrappers with these words scrawled across it: “This is garbage.”

Betty, who previously worked for a recycling company in Oregon, claimed the packaging that we used to wrap our chocolate was not recyclable. I had been assured that our packaging was recyclable by our packaging vendor. With this assurance, I couldn’t understand why Betty thought it wasn’t.

So, we decided to do our own investigation. We discovered that while the paper and the plastic used were each recyclable, the bonding of the two materials rendered the packaging no longer recyclable.

It took six months of trial and error and looking at Betty’s note on my bulletin board to create a new wrap that wouldn’t tear and was entirely recyclable. Once we had a winner, I wrote back to Betty saying, “We did it!” and she uses our company as a case study in a university course she teaches on sustainability.

• Jean Thompson,? Owner and CEO of Seattle Chocolate Company?

As business owners, we have a great responsibility to our employees, our customers and ourselves. Even when we are taking this responsibility seriously, we can still face unexpected challenges and criticism that we have to address to fulfill the role of promoting ethical, sustainable and socially responsible practices. Jean shows that even criticism can be a catalyst for positive change and growth.?

When faced with challenges or criticism, how do we respond? It's a question that often reveals the true character of individuals and organizations. I submit three crucial steps that can help us not only navigate these moments but also turn them into opportunities for growth and positive change:

Accountability - it is not just about acknowledging our missteps; it's also about learning from them. It's a testament to our growth and adaptability as leaders. When we say, "I messed up," we're not only admitting a momentary lapse, however unintentional, but also showing our commitment to continuous improvement. It's a declaration that we value the lessons learned through challenges as much as our successes, and it paves the way for greater resilience and wisdom in our leadership journey.

Apologizing - While accepting criticism may not feel good initially, a genuine apology demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement and a desire to make amends, strengthening trust and building better connections with others. It is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength and humility. It's a bridge that fosters understanding and mends relationships.?

Action - Taking action is where the rubber meets the road in the journey toward improvement and resolution. It involves devising a clear plan of action, mobilizing resources, and putting in the effort to rectify the situation. Whether it's mending a personal relationship or, as in Jean's case, diligently addressing a product flaw brought to her attention, proactive steps demonstrate our commitment to growth, accountability, and our dedication to making things right. It's the embodiment of our words in tangible progress toward positive change.

In the face of criticism, regardless of its constructive or challenging nature, our response holds the power to shape the future. Denial and avoidance may be tempting, but they lead to missed opportunities for personal and professional growth. On the other hand, when we choose accountability, offer a sincere apology, and take decisive action, we not only repair what's broken but also gain invaluable insights. Through this process, we discover paths of improvement that might have otherwise remained hidden. In embracing criticism as a catalyst for positive change, we pave the way for our continued evolution and success.

Make criticism your ally on the path to success!

If you would like to be featured in a future newsletter article, submit your story and let your experience inspire and motivate others.