How to Take Criticism Well at Work: A Guide

One of the most challenging aspects of any type of work is receiving criticism. Employees are often bugged by negative feedback. For women in the workplace, knowing how to handle criticism at work is essential. In this article, we will look at some common techniques that can help women learn how to take criticism well at work.

Move Past It

Not all criticism is negative. Sometimes you might get criticized by your boss or your manager because they want to get the best out of you. Such kind of criticising is common in workplaces. If your performance is not up to the mark, then perhaps you might need some extra push. This push can often be in the form of a simple acknowledgment of your mistake. Hence you must learn how to take constructive criticism.

Try to perceive it as a form of guidance because the purpose behind such criticism is not to insult but to enlighten. You must also learn to be grateful to that person. If you can take your ego out of the equation and start looking at criticism to improve, you will soon find such criticism turning into compliments.

Happy Thoughts

Criticism can often be offensive, especially if you are being scolded. It can be damaging to your confidence as well as your personality. Hence it is vital to stay calm while dealing with criticism in the workplace and the most potent way to do that is to fill your mind with happy thoughts. Whenever you face such situations, think about the things you love or pleasant experiences. Such thoughts release serotonin and manipulate your brain into thinking that things around you are positive.

Stress Management

Most people feel insulted when criticized, which often results in suppressed anger. Holding on to such unerupted anger can cause a great deal of stress and may affect your health. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt stress management techniques like deep breathing. Try to laugh it out or think about the positive aspects of your life. Meditation can also help you relax in such situations.

Criticism Is Natural

If you think about it, criticism is unavoidable. Different people have different opinions, and you cannot please everyone. This is true not only about your workplace but also about your family and your friends. Hence start considering criticism as something that is common and natural. We may also find ourselves criticizing others, either intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore, try to have an open-minded approach while dealing with criticism.

Take It Lightly

People who are adept at handling criticism try to take it in a lighter way. These people have tremendous control over their emotions and possess strong minds. By laughing it off, they are not only ending the conversation on the spot but also ignoring all those toxic people who criticize for no specific reason.

Discuss Criticism

If you have a positive outlook towards criticism and do not find it insulting or belittling, try to discuss the issue with the person concerned. If you fail to see the point of that criticism, speak about it. You must make it clear that you cannot see the issue and need assistance.

This kind of attitude will reduce criticism in the future and give your superiors the impression that you are willing to learn and improve. On the other hand, if somebody is criticizing you for things beyond your control, like your skin color, then you should make it clear to them that it is not appreciable; hence, they must refrain from doing it.

Ask Questions

Criticism can also be the result of miscommunication or misinterpretation. Therefore, you must look for clarity; the only way to do that, especially at your workplace, is by asking questions. It can also help provide you with the necessary information that you can use to improve. However, you must avoid asking the ‘why’ questions, like “why are you saying this?” As it may come off as antagonistic or make your manager defensive. By asking appropriate questions, you would also become clear about the necessary course of action needed on your part to improve.

Read Also: The Importance of Asking for Help

Listen Actively

We are often overcome with a surge of emotions when we face such situations. In such a case, it is necessary to maintain composure and listen to whatever is being said. Only by listening intently can we find out if there is any merit in the criticism. Also, by practicing active listening techniques, we can divert our attention. By choosing to listen instead of reacting, we may come across as calm individuals who are open to feedback and productive discussion.

Try And Improve

Always try to be better than you were yesterday, with or without criticism. You may find that some days are more challenging than others, but those are also the ones that provide you with the scope for improvement. Therefore, never take that criticism personally. Understand the problem, acknowledge it, and try to make amends.

Wrapping Up

Handling workplace criticism is not everyone’s cup of tea. Considering the work environment, competition, and the constant fear of failure, it is nearly impossible to avoid mistakes. Additionally, we are never taught how to handle criticism. But with a neutral mindset, criticisms can become the doorway to self-awareness, success, and growth.