Criticism at the workplace does stimulate professional and personal growth; that is if you know how to deal with it effectively. Here are some guidelines for taking a positive mindset and responding to feedback from your superiors and colleagues.
On Taking the Criticism
- Stay relaxed. If you try to appear calm and confident, you’re more likely to feel that way. Keeping your emotions under control will enable you to listen better. Take some deep breaths and keep your body language open. Engage for a good listening skill without abrupt interruptions.
- Keep an open mind. Your superior/colleagues may have good reasons for giving you such criticism. Besides that, they also might have valuable suggestions for areas where you can improve. For that, you should lay good respect for their point of view.
- Be receptive to new ideas and alternative approaches. You might learn something that makes your job easier.
- Look on the bright side. If you find yourself sensitive to criticism, then do acknowledge your good qualities and the many things that you do well. Maintain a good work-life balance so you can draw on support from your loved ones or spiritual practices to help manage any tension at the workplace. Also, try to look for the humor in the situation. You can make them easier to digest by noticing the comic elements. Respond tactfully without taking it too seriously.
On Responding Over the Criticism
- Ask questions. Show them that you’re really listening by asking pertinent questions. Make sure that you lean towards a productive discussion at the end and try to minimize as much as possible of unnecessary argumentations. Steady on for a good listening skill and furthermore, both of you can react to each other with positive and constructive communication, resulting in a productive outcome.
- Focus on the message. Do try to distinguish between the content of the message and the manner of delivery. Even if you think someone is being less than courteous, there could still be some truth in what they’re saying.
- Conduct a self-appraisal. Regularly evaluate your own work. It will give you a stronger foundation for reflecting on your superiors’ & colleagues’ remarks.
