Raise your hand if you have never received criticism in the workplace. Receiving a reprimand from a supervisor or criticism from a colleague is normal. If this criticism is received in the right way, it can help improve the work done and one’s intellectual abilities.
But, let’s face it, it is not always easy to “take” a shot, and all this becomes even more complicated – and not very constructive – if the calls are made badly. How do you react to not becoming the team’s black sheep or, worse, how not to get deeply scratched by undermining your self-esteem?
Here are 5 ways to best respond to criticism at work! Come out successful and grow professionally by shifting attention to the positive in criticism.
Criticism at work: how to react in 5 ways
Is accepting criticism always constructive? Well, that depends, in the first place, on how an employer reproaches or remarks about one’s work.
Everything becomes much more difficult when these criticisms are made in public, which is entirely wrong and not very constructive for the employee who finds himself having to succumb to criticism and the embarrassment of finding himself in front of an audience of people.
In those moments, what collapses is one’s self-esteem, trampled to the ground by a “boss” who is not inclined to psychology and delicacy. But, even in these unprofessional cases, you can react by coming out as winners! Like? Let’s see below the 5 most effective ways.
Don’t take it personally
Getting a job wrong or making a mistake is normal and on the agenda. However, when this fact is pointed out to us firsthand by the Manager, it seems like a catastrophe. The first thing you feel is personal resentment: in a nutshell: take it personally; nothing could be more wrong!
Criticism is always constructive and helps to grow if you look at it from another perspective. Knowing how to welcome them in the best way helps a lot in the professional career. It is not always easy to accept them. If you react in the wrong way, closing in a hedgehog, you make the mistake of making the same kind of mistake in the future in an endless spiral which, on the contrary, will increasingly worsen your reputation.
If your boss or co-workers have criticisms about you, remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t like you or that you’re not good enough for the job. Maybe they, too, are just trying to do the job as best they can.
Don’t ignore the comments
When some mistakes are reported to you, don’t get defensive by ignoring the criticisms leveled at you. If you ignore the observations, you risk repeating the same mistakes repeatedly, so always listen carefully. Then ask yourself what you have learned from each note that has been moved by the boss, do this objectively.
By ignoring critical comments, you will be bound to repeat the same mistakes. Take note and try to find a solution to fix the problem. This step is the most difficult, as you may need to kick your pride and admit you were wrong.
Then, carefully analyze and evaluate what you have been told to decide what to do and correct any mistakes you have made.
Don’t react immediately
In the course of an argument, the best solution is to remain silent and understand the object of criticism. Avoid reacting in a too passionate and often reckless; it is better to take time to reflect on what you have said. Only then will you be able to distinguish the useful from the superfluous.
One of the big problems is that sometimes the overreaction to criticism only causes a crowd, lose sight of the functionality of the dialogue.
If you answer in less than 10 seconds, your instinct will do the communication; 10 minutes later, calmly, your mind will guide the words. Also, it can be an excellent time to practice active listening and carefully consider the words of the person criticizing your work.
Focus on content, not form
In the presence of criticism, most people concentrate on the negative part, in the form of what has been said, ignoring the remaining part, the important one, that is, the content of the words received.
Criticism, even the hardest to accept, can have its value to improve! It is true that, in this case, pride can be hurt, but if you focus on the content rather than the form, it can serve you.
Words, even the most direct and dry ones, can hide a great truth, so while you don’t accept being mistreated, in your heart, you can self-criticize and understand if something needs to be done and you need to change your behavior. Awareness then makes the difference if you want to improve.
When you agree with some of the criticism, open up to learning. You won’t have to agree with everything; a small part of the agreement concerning criticism will be enough to create a positive atmosphere for teamwork.
Clarify your thinking
When your employer criticizes you, and maybe, for your part, you think you are right, how can you prove it? Well, if you don’t get defensive and don’t sound haughty (which is very wrong), the way to express your point of view will not penalize you at all.
Clarify your work by explaining in a few words and, importantly, using a calm, relaxed, and firm tone of voice; you will come to the right conclusions.
Explain the reasons for your disappointment and suggest ways to resolve the dispute and strengthen the working relationship. If it can reassure you, discuss the criticism with a trusted person who can give you an objective opinion. By doing so, you will have a third evaluation of the reasonableness of the criticism.
Remember, your boss is not criticizing you for personal pleasure; he is doing it to improve the quality of the work.
