You're facing criticism in a team meeting. How do you respond without damaging your personal brand?

Someone once told me all feedback is a gift. To me it’s like getting socks at Christmas. Might not be what you expected, but everyone needs them. Honestly, we all can feel defensive since most of us don’t live to fail or disappoint. However, there is usually a valid reason for the criticism even if it’s just one data point or perception that those people may have on you. Consider working through the SARAH approach. Shock, Anger, Resentment, Acknowledgment, Humility. Stay calm through the shock. Filter the anger and resentment through reality. Acknowledge there may be some truth in the perception. Humble yourself to learn something about yourself you where you may have a blind spot.

Great point Raul, feedback is a gift. The difference is how the gift is packaged. Some will wrap it with newspaper, others with wrapping paper and a bow. As leaders, how can we expect our direct reports, family and friends to receive feedback, unless we model receiving it as well.

Es muy importante trabajar desde adentro hacia afuera. Debemos ser siempre consistentes y coherentes entre lo que decimos y hacemos. No podemos dejarnos llevar, es momento de recordar nuestro propósito y sostener nuestra propuesta de valor

Take a deep breath and remember that criticism is a chance to grow. Your response matters more than the criticism itself. Show them you can handle it with grace and professionalism.

Instead of brushing off criticism, acknowledge the feedback and show that you understand their perspective. A simple “I see where you’re coming from” can defuse tension and demonstrate your openness to different viewpoints. This approach not only helps in managing the immediate situation but also fosters an environment of mutual respect and learning. By validating others’ concerns, you’re more likely to turn a potentially negative encounter into a constructive dialogue.

The best advice I was ever given: you have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen first. There’s time for your response later. Seek to understand the other person’s point of view. Remember that listening is not acquiescing, agreeing or submitting — you are listening purely to understand. Repeat back what you hear with neutrality and affirm what’s true: “I hear you. You’re saying that…” and end with, “Thanks for that feedback. Let me take that on board and think about how I might be able to adjust. I really appreciate you letting me know this.” When you can acknowledge the courage it took the person to tell you their thoughts, view it as perhaps they want to help you succeed, and a chance to get better, criticism becomes fuel.

We should embrace criticism with open ears and an open mind, refraining from interrupting or mentally preparing our defense. By fully listening, we demonstrate respect for our colleagues' perspectives, fostering a culture of constructive feedback and reinforcing our reputation as approachable, adaptable, and growth-oriented professionals. This mindset allows us to absorb valuable insights, address concerns, and emerge stronger, wiser, and more united as a team.

Focus on understanding, not just hearing. Put away distractions and give them your full attention. Show you're engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and asking clarifying questions. This makes them feel valued and helps you find common ground.

Whenever one is being criticized during a team meeting, always protect your personal brand by making clarifications. Listen to what is being brought out and ensure that you have understood the issue raised. Ask questions for clarity or maybe some misconception. This shows that you value their input and keen on solving the issue at hand. By asking for clarification, you will have the opportunity to deal with the criticism in a much more constructive way and demonstrate that you are the kind of person who likes engaging constructively; this will help keep your levels of professionalism—and thus protection of personal brand—up.

Criticism can be tough to swallow, but it's a powerful catalyst for growth. When it's valid, own up to it. Admitting mistakes shows courage and integrity – qualities that are highly respected. It's like hitting refresh on your personal brand. Not all criticism is created equal. Some feedback is constructive, offering valuable insights. Other times, it might be based on misinformation or personal biases. Discern the difference. By focusing on genuine feedback, you're focusing on personal growth. Everyone makes mistakes. How you handle criticism defines you. By responding with grace and humility, you demonstrate maturity and a commitment to excellence. This builds trust and respect, essential components of a strong personal brand.

Whenever one is criticized in front of other team members, respect one's personal brand by showing appreciation for the criticism in a just way. Engage with the valid points in such criticism, and demonstrate that you understand and respect the view shared. Show appreciation over the constructive feedback and outline steps you will take to rectify the issues. By accepting criticism fairly, you prove your maturity, willingness to improve, and the ability to address concerns; this strengthens your professional reputation and creates a positive work environment.

Any time you are criticized in a team meeting, fight for your personal brand; give solutions. After reception of the feedback, clearly propose the next steps in a clear, timely, and effective way of handling issues raised. Bring out a plan of how you are going to deal with the issues at hand and how you are going to improve. This clearly shows that you are receptive, solution-focused, and dedicated to change for the good. By focusing on bringing out constructive resolutions, you improve your reputation as one who is able to solve problems and thus you are an important member of the team; therefore, you are able to bolster your professional credibility.

you know it's great that your teammates can openly speak about your work. it goes on to show you are open to feedback. so, in such a situation, if you don't know the answer, you can always come back and reply. for example: when we need to make data-driven decisions and are on calls discussing different data points, I get told where i could be wrong and that's part of the discussion. so be open and take your time reply.