What do you do if your boss criticizes you in a way that is constructive and stress-free?

Take the criticism and expand on it as much as possible. There is nothing like as a superior providing mentorship and experience.

Getting criticism in a constructive and stress-free manner will help me listen carefully and note all the points with an attitude of accepting mistakes and an affirmation to grow myself. This would help build a strong bond of understanding with the Boss.

Listen actively without stress is a skill. When you perceive the feedback as negative and as a critic, the risk is to close yourself and thinking in defending. Never forget, it's the perspective of the other about your activities. Which might be different. Be open to listen from a neutral ground, and make a summary of the feedback to understand and agree if both are understanding the same thing. Ask open questions to get more information. Important is to close the conversation with a positive and constructive tone. What can be done to improve, adapt and change. Ask for a follow up. Remember, the feedback is about your behavior and not about you as a person.

Listen attentively without getting defensive, and acknowledge their feedback with gratitude. Ask clarifying questions to fully understand their perspective and how you can improve. Reflect on the feedback and create an actionable plan to address the areas of concern. View this as a chance to enhance your skills and performance, demonstrating your commitment to professional development. By positively responding to constructive criticism, you not only improve but also show your boss that you are proactive, resilient, and dedicated to excellence.

When receiving feedback, it is okay to wait to respond versus react. When possible, make a plan on when you can revisit the conversation within a reasonable time and maintain a solution-focused mentality. Be positive and be humble.

If your boss gives you constructive criticism in a calm and supportive way, use it as a chance to grow. Take some time to honestly reflect on the feedback, thinking about where you can improve. This self-reflection helps you see things more clearly and figure out specific steps to get better. By being open to constructive criticism, you can make positive changes and show that you're committed to improving. It also helps build a better relationship with your boss, showing that you appreciate their feedback and are dedicated to your development.

Be as much present in the conversation. Connect with the other person, receive the feedback and let it sink in. Conscious breathing supports in increasing awareness and managing stress which could an uncomfortable situation create in you.