How do you handle criticism of your operations research?

1 Understand the source

Criticism can be motivated by different factors, such as misunderstanding, disagreement, dissatisfaction, or personal bias. Before you react, try to understand the source and intention of the criticism. Is it based on factual evidence or subjective opinion? Is it meant to help you improve or to undermine you? Is it constructive or destructive? By identifying the source, you can avoid taking criticism personally and focus on the relevant issues.

2 Listen and acknowledge

When you receive criticism, listen carefully and respectfully to what the critic has to say. Do not interrupt, argue, or defend yourself immediately. Instead, acknowledge the feedback and show that you appreciate the input. You can use phrases like "Thank you for your comment" or "I understand your concern" to demonstrate your openness and professionalism. By listening and acknowledging, you can establish rapport and trust with the critic and avoid escalating the conflict.

3 Clarify and explain

After listening and acknowledging, you may need to clarify and explain some aspects of your operations research. For example, you may need to define your assumptions, objectives, methods, models, or results. You may also need to address any misconceptions, errors, or gaps in the criticism. You can use visual aids, examples, or references to support your explanations. By clarifying and explaining, you can educate the critic and demonstrate your competence and credibility.