Learn to Respond, not react!
During initial day’s of being associate to some of the senior tech heads in the industry, I strive to deliver the best and put in my best as much as possible and wherever possible.
But, there are times when I haven’t, however during those time’s, I try to cover up gaps, as much as possible, at the very least level, roll back to last known good state.
When called for discussing of what went wrong and probably for damage control, I always have a list, ready with all sorts of reasons on why such a gap happened or why was it inevitable that I failed.
In short, I become as defensive as possible and close out all sorts of openness!
The first step to better yourself stops, when you start to become defensive to your critique!
It’s okay to fail, than to give-up.
Few of essential things to handle criticism are,
Treat even an argument, as conversation or discussion.
When called for a meeting on why you failed or how you failed or as such what went wrong, try treating them as a conversation rather than a formal meeting to fire you!
Stop your first words, no matter what it is!
Our brain delivers words that are at cream level of our stress, hence it is always advisable to stop them no matter what it is.
Take a deep breathe and then frame your sentence before you say something.
Get back to your critique later.
When you don’t have a mental state to immediately answer their side of discussion, ask for time and get back to them later when you’re ready to resume your discussion.
Thank your critique later
Try avoiding thanking your critique too soon, a quick judgement from your side might often be taken that, you’re being sarcastic!
When you get back to them next time, thank them with a smile saying that their feedback really did a magic in how your thought process works now!
Finally, learn to respond and never react to your critique!