Handling criticism well is a workplace skill you may never quite perfect, but there are ways to build emotional resilience to it.
- Criticism doesn’t mean you’re wrong, but some truth probably exists. Search for it.
- One complaint does not mean everyone feels the same way.
- Criticism may originate from a reaction to only a small part of your work, not the entire effort. Don’t discard what is working well.
- Like the ring of a bell, the sting of criticism dissipates. Don’t risk an improper reaction to it by responding immediately. Instead, wait for a few hours—or, even better, overnight—before reacting.
- See criticism as a gift to improve your productivity and increase the value of what you do.
- Label criticism as feedback, and thank those who offer it.
Source: UTEAP FrontLine Employee (May 2017)