How to Handle Criticism of the Boss
Employees are paid to perform, and bosses are paid to hire, support and evaluate employees. This means that bosses are often required to assess and criticize their employees' performance. Although it may be difficult to hear any negative criticism from your boss, it's important to maintain your professionalism and keep your cool, even if you feel their comments are unwarranted. Whether you agree or disagree with the criticism, remember that your boss is exactly that -- your boss.
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Instructions
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Have an open mind. Although you may believe you are doing your job to the best of your abilities, keep in mind that others around you may have insights or tips on how you can improve and excel at your current job and in your career.
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Listen. When your boss approaches you, whether you agree or disagree with his comments, hear him out fully. Don't interrupt, act defensive or cast blame on others. Be professional and show respect to your boss for his opinion by listening attentively.
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Take time away to think. Sometimes you may be surprised by your boss' criticism. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to let your boss know that you've been taken by surprise and that you need some time to think about what he's said and that you will get back to him. His comments may be hard to take in all at once. Taking time to digest the criticism will allow you to reflect on what you've heard before you respond.
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Be honest with yourself. Think about what your boss has said. Can you improve? Does your boss' feedback have merit? Even if you disagree, now is a good time to consider other ways you believe you could improve at the workplace. If necessary, this may include building a better relationship with your boss.
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Share your views. After you've had time to think about what your boss has said, set time aside to discuss the situation in a one-on-one setting with him or her. Keep in mind that your boss may not always be right and may not have all the facts on hand. Discuss your thoughts openly and see if you can come to a mutual agreement and solution.
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Make changes. Is it in your makeup to change? Will making the changes your boss requires help your future career goals? If yes, do your best to improve yourself and your chances of success. If not, you may need to consider whether this current role and work environment is the right one for you. If you believe changing yourself is not the solution, you can also consider changing jobs.
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Follow up. If you come to an agreement with your boss regarding changes, be sure to make a plan with him or her to track your progress. If you commit to making changes, detail when and how the changes will happen and share your plan with your boss to show your dedication and commitment.
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References
- Photo Credit strict boss image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
