7 Steps to Handle Criticism at Work

I recently discussed in a room on #Clubhouse about this topic and wanted to share that here as well. It is a major part of life both in work and family. I hope you find this helpful as well as the feedback you may provide for others in the comments below.

If you really want to get ahead, there is one skill that is crucial to master: The art of receiving criticism well. The sooner you can reframe criticism as feedback and treat it like any other input to your work, the better you will be able to profit from it.

Giving and receiving feedback is a skill that will make you stand out in the workplace, as it is not often talked about, or included in workplace training. I don't find it a naturally easy thing to do myself, but I am getting better at it. My hope is that you can learn the seven steps to receiving negative feedback gracefully and constructively.

1.   Listen (Active Listening)

The first thing to do when you receive negative feedback is not to react. Instead, listen to what is being said. Make sure you understand precisely what the person is saying by repeating it back to them. That way, you know you aren’t coming at it from a defensive stance.

2.   Assume the Best Motivation

It’s more than likely that the person you think is criticizing you is actually trying to help. Start from an assumption of good intentions. While it is true a negative person/boss can make that difficult, but I'll address that a bit here as well.

3.   Don’t Get Defensive

If you start to feel yourself react, stop. You’ll feel your reaction in your body first. You may tense up, your stomach may clench, and your heart may race. Take a few deep breaths and allow these feelings to die down. It is so important to recognize in yourself when this is happening at the first sign and preparing yourself to be in a posture of action vs. reaction.

4.   Don’t take it personally

Workplace feedback is typically not personal. Reframe criticism as feedback on the project, not feedback on you as a person. While it is true that most of us put all of our hearts into what we do and when that is rejected or talked about negatively (or you feel that way) it can be very easy to take it personally. Try to be positionally in a place where you can separate a professional situation as a personal attack.

5.   Reframe criticism as help

Your boss or colleague is likely trying to help you improve your performance, so you’ll get better outcomes. Practice feeling grateful that they are interested in your work and don’t want you to fail. In some places it is easy to get closer to people than in other places. Although there is nothing wrong with being friends, someone at your workplace is ultimately your superior. Remembering that is helpful in moments like these.

6.   Be Kind to Yourself

Negative feedback is not a reflection on you as a person. Do not hang your self-worth on other people’s opinions. Sure, criticism can sting, even if it’s constructive.  Just remember everyone makes mistakes and could do with a helping hand at times. If you feel bad, take yourself out for a treat. Take a break and go for a walk or get a coffee.

7.   Say Thank You

Be sure to say thank you for the feedback. It might be hard to do, but it’s important to acknowledge that they took the time to help you. Appreciating the other person doesn’t mean that you have to take all their advice. It just means you’re polite and professional in all circumstances.

Obviously, these aren't all the things to consider, but it is a start and a great place for conversation. I'd love to hear your feedback. What stands out to you? What have you found is helpful that wasn't mentioned? Please take time to share below as it will definitely be helpful to people.

As a coach/consultant, my passion is to work with executives, entrepreneurs and euphoric individuals to help overcome obstacles, achieve goals and live into a culture of abundance. If you are facing difficulties in your business, career, with a team or personally, I can help. Feel free to visit my profile page or website for more details and let's set up a discovery call to chat about what your feeling/needing and how I can help you.

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Matt Crump is a Life/Performance Coach and Business Consultant with over 30 years experience working with people and businesses both as a business owner/entrepreneur himself. His leadership in the US Army, also as a Pastor and Church Planter, Community Leader, Retail Owner/Operator, Service Industry Owner/Operator, Radio Advertising, On-Air Personality and more has empowered Matt to empower you in his coaching/consulting practice. Matt is also a daily content creator on #Linkedin with hundreds of videos, articles and resources designed to better help you in business, career and life. Reach out today for your 1:1 Discovery Call.