How to Handle Criticism

Career Advice

by Rigel Celeste on Apr 6th, 2010

It's bound to happen eventually, no matter how good you are at your job: somebody is going to criticize they way you do things. The way you react to that criticism, and others like it, can have a real impact on your career. Here are few tips for taking criticism and making the best of it.

Listen to what they're saying, without getting defensive or trying to explain yourself. Even if they're just whining or complaining, arguing won't help the situation. Like with any conversation, let them say their piece without interruption.

Consider what they're saying, without getting caught up in the blame game. No matter if you were taught a certain way or if you think they have faulty motives, think about what would happen if you did things the way they suggest -- would your results be different?

Discuss the benefits and the challenges, after you've listened and spent time considering it. Talk about how it would play out, and who would be responsible for all the different aspects, as well as how the end result would be different than it is now. Also discuss when the change could be implemented and what the consequences would be if the idea isn't implemented.

Measure the results, if you do decide to make a change. Whether it works or not, you want to be able to show the how and the why. Either way you get credit for being a team player, willing to listen to others and make adjustments when indicated.

3 Comments

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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Staceyann Dolenti says: (1:59PM on Nov 28th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Listening and evaluating the context of the criticism can be a very valuable tool to getting you to the next level. The most important aspect is to take the emotion out of the criticism. Think about criticism as if they were talking about someone else and then proactively go about correcting the problem.

Staceyann Dolenti

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