Here's how you can handle overly critical or harsh feedback.

Handling overly critical or harsh feedback as a program manager requires maintaining composure and professionalism. Listen actively to understand the specific concerns and seek constructive points amidst the criticism. For example, if a stakeholder expresses dissatisfaction with project timelines, acknowledge their frustration and discuss potential adjustments. Seek clarification to understand the root of the issue, ensuring all perspectives are considered. Respond diplomatically, outlining steps to address concerns and improve moving forward. Follow up to demonstrate responsiveness and commitment to resolving issues, fostering a collaborative and constructive environment.

8 years in Program Management, across industries, have taught me valuable lessons on handling harsh feedback. Here's my approach Stay Calm & Listen: I take a deep breath and actively listen without interrupting. Demonstrating composure shows respect and allows me to understand the feedback fully Separate Tone from Content: Harsh delivery doesn't negate valuable points. I focus on the actual criticism to identify areas for improvement Clarify & Acknowledge: I paraphrase the feedback to ensure understanding & acknowledge the frustration behind it, fostering a more collaborative environment Seek Solutions, Not Blame: Shift the focus to finding solutions, asking "What can we do to improve moving forward?" This promotes a problem-solving mindset

Focusing on understanding the feedback fully without interrupting or becoming defensive. Asking for specific examples or clarification to better understand the criticism.

Stay calm and listen fully. Seek to understand the perspective behind the criticism. Ask clarifying questions if needed. Reflect on any valid points to improve. Remember, feedback is not a personal attack. Use it as a growth opportunity. If criticism is unfounded or harsh, diplomatically express how it makes you feel and ask for more constructive feedback. Stay professional and focused on learning and improvement.

The first step in handling overly critical feedback is to remain calm. It’s natural to feel defensive or upset, but reacting emotionally can escalate the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on listening to the feedback without interrupting. This helps you maintain control and shows that you are open to constructive criticism.

After receiving the feedback, take some time to reflect on it honestly. Assess whether there is any truth to the points raised, even if the delivery was harsh. This step is crucial for personal and professional growth. By objectively evaluating the feedback, you can identify areas for improvement that you may not have previously considered.

Reflect on the feedback objectively and honestly. After receiving harsh feedback, I took some time to reflect on the points raised. I asked myself whether there was any truth to the feedback and how I could use it to improve. Honest self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth.

If any part of the feedback is unclear or seems unfounded, seek clarification. Ask specific questions to understand the critic's perspective better. This can help you distinguish between constructive criticism and feedback that may be more emotional or subjective. Clarifying also shows that you are committed to understanding and improving.

If the feedback is unclear or seems unfair, seek clarification. I once received feedback that felt overly harsh and vague. I politely asked for specific examples and details to better understand the concerns. Seeking clarification helps you gain a clearer perspective and address the issues more effectively.

Turn the feedback into actionable steps for improvement. Identify specific changes you can make based on the constructive elements of the criticism. Develop a plan to address these areas and set measurable goals to track your progress. Using the feedback proactively demonstrates resilience and a commitment to growth.

Utilize the feedback constructively to improve your performance. In my experience, even harsh feedback can contain valuable insights. I focused on actionable points and developed a plan to address them. By using the feedback to enhance your skills and performance, you demonstrate resilience and a commitment to growth.

Throughout the process, maintain professionalism. Responding to harsh feedback with grace can enhance your reputation and demonstrate your maturity. Thank the person for their feedback, regardless of its tone, and express your willingness to improve. This approach can also help defuse any tension and build a more positive working relationship.

Always maintain professionalism when responding to feedback. I responded to the harsh feedback with gratitude for the input and a commitment to improve. Professionalism ensures that you handle the situation gracefully and maintain positive relationships.

Easier said to develop think skin but in reality it is takes a lot to develop it. It takes the skill to hear and not to hear at the same it. It’s a combination of developing empathy and discounting the tone of the critical feedback and at the same time holding on to your nerves and the professional behaviour. Also it is good time is to remember what you are doing to eat for dinner tonight :)

Overly critical feedback can be tough to handle, but it’s an opportunity to build resilience. Develop coping strategies such as seeking support from trusted colleagues or mentors, engaging in stress-relief activities, and maintaining a positive mindset. Building resilience will help you better handle future criticism and emerge stronger.

Build resilience to handle criticism more effectively. Over time, I've developed thicker skin by viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. Building resilience helps you remain focused and motivated despite criticism.

Consider the source and context of the feedback. Sometimes, harsh feedback may stem from external stressors or personal biases of the critic. It’s important to filter the useful information from the irrelevant. Additionally, foster an environment where constructive feedback is the norm. Encourage regular, balanced feedback sessions within your team to build a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect. This proactive approach can reduce the occurrence of overly harsh criticism and promote a more supportive work environment.

Seek Support: Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors about the feedback. They can provide valuable perspectives and support, helping you process the feedback constructively.