4 Tips To Help You Better Receive Critical Feedback

Do you dread receiving critical feedback? Usually, there are at least two reasons why you'd dread it: either you are on such a high from the last performance that you fear hearing any critique that would dampen it, or you know you didn't do a good job and you're conscious your next appraisal meeting will not go down well.?

So how do you deal with it??

1. Appreciate the feedback

When receiving feedback, start by thanking the individual giving it to you. There’s usually quite a bit they have had to surmount in order for them to share their candid thoughts regarding your work. It’s not always easy to give critical feedback. Moreover, you’re thanking them because their perspective on your performance could provide you with an opportunity to grow and improve. It’s always helpful to view critique as an improvement opportunity.

2. Don’t be defensive.

Don’t be too quick to explain yourself. Defensive communicates a lack of openness and interest in doing better. Instead, be curious. Find out a bit more. Say, “Thanks for that. Could you please expound some more on that?”, or “Do you have a particular scenario you can point to that can help me better understand?” If you maintain the perspective that this is an improvement opportunity, then you’ll want the feedback to be as clear as possible.?

3. Request for it more often

The more often you request feedback, the easier it’ll be to hear the comments in return. Ask for a weekly/bi-weekly meeting with your supervisor, during which you can briefly touch base and ensure you’re on track with your work and deliverables. The feedback is likely to be less damning if the conversations around your work are more frequent.

4. Be specific

When requesting feedback, be specific. As opposed to simply asking, “Do you have any feedback for me?”, ask, “Is there an area you think I can improve on?’, or “What would a stellar job from me look like?” The more specific your request is, the more helpful the feedback will be.