Negative Feedback At Work 7 Ways To Handle Criticism

Negative Feedback At Work 7 Ways To Handle Criticism Negative feedback at work is never easy. Rationally, we understand that nobodys perfect, but that doesnt mean we like to hear about our imperfections from other people. It can be hard to handle criticism gracefully whether it comes from a colleague, a direct report, or even your boss. However, the way you manage criticism at work can help you separate yourself from the crowd, and dealing with it effectively is a leadership quality.Thats precisely why its so important to think about how you deal with professional criticism, both internally and externally. Here are 7 tips on how to manage your emotions and reaction when youre faced with criticism at work1. Dont Let the Critics Consume YouIts hard to absorb negative feedback without instinctively getting emotional, and in the workplace, its especially important to try to react as rationally as possible. If it helps, take a deep breath and wait until you have a bit of distance to thin k about the situation and criticism more clearly. If its unfair or needs explanation, you still dont necessarily need to respond immediately. Giving yourself some space can bedrngnis only help you absorb the information but also give you room to plan a response. Nobody ever said that you cant respond at a later time and you may be far more effective once youve had a option to think things over.Even when the critique is quite deep and affects you personally, try to deal with it with as rationally as possible. It might help to take a deep breath and wait until you have a bit of distance to think about the situation more clearly.2. Find the Merit in Constructive CriticismNo pain, no gain. This little truism applies to so many aspects of life. Criticism is important for personal and professional growth. After all, no one is perfect and everyone has room for improvement. People who know you wellincluding colleagues and managersoften want to see you succeed and even if the criticism is no t always communicated in the best way, you can choose to turn a negative experience or set of comments into something positive by how you view it. You cant fix a problem you dont realize you have and critique helps you home in on areas you may not have realized were an issue.3. Dont Accept Harmful CritiquesSometimes, however, criticism comes from a bad place. If someone is trying to undermine you for no reason but to get ahead, or out of politics, spite or jealousy, you dont have to take his sort of criticism lying down. Depending on the situation, this is the time to stand your ground and call out the person on what they are doing. The point of this is not to escalate tensions but simply to confront someone for a groundless attack. This type of confrontation can be difficult, but sometimes you are left with no other choice.4. Say Thank YouWhen someone gives you advice or a critique thats meant to help you succeed, consider the fact that the person sharing that information with you may feel awkward in doing so. Often its much easier to let an issue slide or simply accept the status quo. The fact that someone is actually willing to risk a negative reaction from you may sometimes warrant your gratitude. It may not feel good, but sometimes criticism is good for you and worthy of thanks.5. Dont Over-ApologizeJust because you accept criticism doesnt mean you have to apologize for a mistake profusely (or at all). It can be awkward for both for the recipient as well as the messenger to dwell on a criticism, so often its best to simply let the moment pass after a brief acknowledgment of the issue. Depending on the situation, there may simply be no need for an elaborate apology or detailed justifications and you risk sounding defensive.6. Make the Necessary ChangesRolling with criticism also means implementing changes. Rarely is criticism something so fundamental to your personality or life approach that you cant make some improvements in response. If your manager or c olleagues see that you can take negative feedback and actually implement changes, youll be respected for not only being confident enough to receive negative feedbackbut proactive and flexible enough to react to it.7. Move OnWeve all had moments in our lives where we replay and repeat moments in our heads that we regret. As hard as it may be, thats not the ideal response to criticism. Giving criticism that amount of attention almost always means you are diverting energy away from all the positive things you could be doing for your career. A career is for the long run, and over the years, you will encounter naysayers and criticism from all sorts of peopleranging from colleagues to managers to clients. It wont be the first time or last time you receive criticism, so after youve given negative feedback its due consideration and attention, its time to move onMore Resources to Help You With Feedback1.Feedback The Key To Self-Improvement On The JobThis article is a reminder that continuous growth is key to career success. Heres how feedback can help you.2. How To Bounce Back After A Bad Performance ReviewIf your wertzuwachs review didnt go as you might have liked, this article will help you bounce back. Follow these steps for taking critism in stride and making the changes asked of you.3. Performance Reviews How To Give And Receive Specific FeedbackIf youve got an upcoming performance review this article will help you prepare for it. Heres how to receive feedback like a professional.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women. Join us by reviewing your employer