Responding to Negative Feedback | Things You Should Never Say

Receiving negative feedback at work is never easy, but it's an inevitable part of professional growth. How you respond to criticism will define your character and your career trajectory. Bad bosses do exist as well as bad feedback. So, while it's not necessary to implement all feedback, it is necessary to respond well to all feedback. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate and respond to negative feedback in a productive manner.

Keep Composure

Firstly, maintain composure and listen attentively. It's natural to want to defend yourself or explain a decision made, but know that this often makes things worse. Interrupting a supervisor to defend yourself gives the impression you do not take criticism well. And most likely, hearing your defense won't change their mind about the issue anyway.??

Recognize It's Not a Personal Attack

Secondly, adopt a growth mindset. Negative feedback is an opportunity for improvement, not a personal attack. Embrace the chance to learn and grow from the experience. And if you sincerely do not understand the feedback, politely ask your supervisor for specific examples to gain a clearer picture of the issue.?

Self-Reflect

Next, take time for self-reflection. Assess the validity of the feedback objectively and honestly. Identify any patterns or recurring themes that may indicate areas requiring improvement. This introspective approach will enable you to develop an action plan for growth and development.

Seek Support

Afterward, proactively seek support and resources. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or supervisors who can provide guidance and assistance in areas where you need improvement. Take advantage of training opportunities or workshops that can enhance your skills.

Follow-up

Lastly, follow up and demonstrate progress. Once you've identified areas for improvement, take actionable steps to implement changes. Keep your supervisor or the person providing feedback informed of your progress, highlighting the steps you've taken to address the issues raised.

Remember, responding to negative feedback professionally and constructively is a valuable skill that demonstrates your ability to adapt, learn, and grow. Embrace feedback as a catalyst for personal and professional development, and use it to propel yourself towards success.