How to Handle Criticism

Getting feedback and suggestions on your work product is a very stressful activity. An emotional reaction is almost inevitable, so you need to deal with that first, then you can go on to accept the ideas that could help you improve.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• An open mind
• Ability to think and act like a mature adult
• Patience and time

1. First you need to deal with your reaction to the information. Certainly people have complex motivations at work when they are giving and receiving feedback, so give yourself time to swallow the information, then you can gain something from it.
2. Keep in mind that even if someone dislikes you or there is an element of distrust as is common in supervisory to employee relationships, there is some element of truth in the feedback you are getting. The truth may be what they see is true from their perspective and that makes it legitimate, whether you agree with them or not.
3. Pay close attention to what is communicated including the words and inflection. You will want to review this interaction in your mind with as much accuracy and objectivity as possible. Once you have pushed the emotions aside, learning from the exchange is vital to your growth as an employee or artist or craftsperson.
4. Give the other person a chance to freely express the feedback before you respond. Don’t make comments, excuses or argue about what is said. If possible, express gratitude for his candidness as you really want him to be open with suggestions and ideas in the future. Note that some people are more tactful and effective at giving this kind of information than others. If he is very clumsy at doing this, you might give him feedback at another time about how he might improve. This meeting is not the time to bring this up as an issue.
5. Plan to have a follow up meeting. It will take days and maybe weeks for you to incorporate this feedback into your approach. Though you may choose to ignore his ideas, if this is a job situation, you would do well to heed the advice given, as your future employment may depend on your changing your product, attitude or performance
6. Even if you disagree that change is needed, try it anyway. You may discover a new and better way of doing things. You may be very surprised that she was right after all. You may not be able to change what you are doing immediately but try doing it on a planned gradual schedule
7. If, after careful consideration you truly believe you should not take her suggestions, discuss the matter with her in the follow up meeting and explain your position. If she is adamant that you must change, you may have to decide what is more important to you; taking her suggestions or finding another position.

Tips & Warnings

• Be professional, calm and considerate of her feelings at all times. Do not allow yourself to break down or become overly emotional while on the job. This will potentially hurt your career.