
This weekend was a refreshing one. Despite the rampant rains, I had great conversations with colleagues and even found some extra time for myself. With that extra time, I decided to revisit an old classic movie: Apocalypto. If you’re a manager who hasn’t taken feedback seriously this year, this film comes highly recommended.
In one particular scene, the main character, Jaguar Paw, finds himself being relentlessly hunted by a group of warriors from a rival tribe. These warriors, led by their fierce leader, were intent on killing him. However, during the chase, some of the leader’s men pointed out an ominous prophecy: Jaguar Paw was the “son of the jaguar,” and killing him was said to bring a curse. Despite this crucial warning, the leader dismissed the feedback, claiming that Jaguar Paw’s survival was only due to fear—not destiny.
What followed was a dramatic turn of events. The leader and his entire group perished while Jaguar Paw not only survived but triumphed. This powerful scene serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of ignoring critical feedback.
How many times have you made mistakes because you didn’t listen to your team members or ignored market feedback? Here are some of the dangers of not listening to feedback:
- Missed Opportunities: Feedback often provides insights into opportunities you might otherwise overlook.
- Alienating Your Team: Ignoring your team’s input can lead to demotivation and loss of trust.
- Reputational Damage: Neglecting market or customer feedback can damage your brand and lead to negative word-of-mouth.
- Poor Decision-Making: Without diverse perspectives, decisions can become biased or uninformed.
- Stagnation: Businesses that don’t adapt to feedback risk becoming irrelevant in a constantly changing market.
As we head into 2025, take this lesson to heart. Listening to feedback—whether from your team, customers, or the market—isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about fostering success. So, tune in, stay open, and ensure that your decisions reflect the wisdom of those around you. Your business will thank you.
About the author
Dr. Jjuuko Derrick, is a pharmacist with a keen business acumen. Having dedicated much of his career to engaging with business owners and employees, he brings a unique blend of pharmaceutical expertise and business insight to the table. As an entrepreneur himself, he is passionately committed to leveraging his technical skills and entrepreneurial experience to foster the growth and development of multiple businesses. Driven by a mission to make a meaningful contribution to the business landscape, he stands ready to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.