How to Handle Criticism at Work
Kris Hughes ??
Strategic marketing that drives revenue for growth-stage companies ?? | Fractional Marketer | LinkedIn Top Voice
Criticism can be helpful, but even when it’s constructive, it can be hard to take—especially at work. How do you deal with criticism productively? Jennifer Bridges, PMP, shows you strategies on how to handle criticism at work.
In Review – How to Handle Criticism at Work
What is criticism? Jennifer started by defining the word. She explained that criticism is an expression of disapproval of something or someone based on perceived faults or mistakes. In other words, it’s not infallible.
Types of Criticism
Criticism can be delivered in two ways: solicited and non-solicited. The obvious difference being the former is asked for, and the latter is not. Asking for criticism at work can be structured in a 360 review, a performance review, or by seeking feedback from coworkers in a peer review. You could also look outside your team and ask a coach, mentor or adviser.
Non-solicited criticism can come in many forms, too. It might be a customer or a bad boss. There could be criticism from a team member or other peer. Truly, anyone that you interface with at work, whether in person or via collaboration software, is potentially able to deliver non-solicited criticism.
Regardless of where the criticism is coming from, whether you asked for it or not, the choice of how to handle that criticism is yours. Do you accept the criticism or defend yourself? Can it be used to improve your performance, or do you ignore it?
Criticism is Ultimately About Improvement
Jennifer put the question in context by asking a hypothetical. If you were, say, competing in the Olympics, or performing surgery, or diffusing a bomb, or flying a plane, wouldn’t you want to be doing that at your best level?
Professionals in any discipline are always trying to improve their performance, enhance their skills and work towards better precision in all that they do. Perfection can never be achieved but should always be sought. So, how can you use criticism to better yourself and your work?
Click here to read the entire article and learn more about strategies to handle criticism that in the end could even help sharpen your skills!