It’s inevitable that you will receive negative feedback at some point in your career. How you handle that feedback can be the difference between maintaining a good relationship with your boss and co-workers, and completely derailing your career.
Here are 15 tips for managing negative feedback in a positive way:
1. Don’t take it personally:
It’s important to remember that feedback is not a reflection of you as a person, but rather a reflection of your work. Try to separate the two in your mind and you’ll be better equipped to handle negative feedback constructively.
2. Listen:
It can be tempting to immediately start defending yourself when you receive negative feedback, but it’s important to first listen to what the other person has to say. Really try to understand their perspective and where they’re coming from.
3. Ask questions:
Once you’ve listened to the feedback, it’s time to start asking questions. This will help you clarify any points that were unclear and also show that you’re taking the feedback seriously.
4. Avoid getting defensive:
It can be difficult to avoid getting defensive when you’re receiving negative feedback, but it’s important to try. Getting defensive will only make the situation worse and is unlikely to lead to a productive discussion.
5. Be open to criticism:
No one likes to be criticized, but it’s important to be open to it if you want to improve. Remember that criticism is not a bad thing, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.
6. Don’t take it too seriously:
While it’s important to take negative feedback seriously, you shouldn’t dwell on it or let it get you down. Try to see it as constructive feedback that can help you improve, rather than an attack on your character.
7. Use it as a learning opportunity:
Whenever you receive negative feedback, try to use it as a learning opportunity. What can you do differently next time to avoid the same outcome?
8. Be grateful for the feedback:
It might be difficult to be grateful for the feedback at the time, but it’s important to remember that it’s a gift. The other person is taking the time to help you improve, so show your appreciation.
9. Avoid getting emotional:
It can be tempting to let your emotions get the best of you when you’re receiving negative feedback, but it’s important to keep a level head. Getting emotional will only make the situation worse and is unlikely to lead to a productive discussion.
10. Stay positive:
It can be difficult to stay positive after receiving negative feedback, but it’s important to try. Remember that the feedback is not a reflection of you as a person, but rather a reflection of your work.
11. Don’t take it too personally:
It’s important to remember that feedback is not a reflection of you as a person, but rather a reflection of your work. Try to separate the two in your mind and you’ll be better equipped to handle negative feedback constructively.
12. Use it as a learning opportunity:
Whenever you receive negative feedback, try to use it as a learning opportunity. What can you do differently next time to avoid the same outcome?
13. Be grateful for the feedback:
It might be difficult to be grateful for the feedback at the time, but it’s important to remember that it’s a gift. The other person is taking the time to help you improve, so show your appreciation.
14. Don’t let it get you down:
It can be tempting to let negative feedback get you down, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection of you as a person. Use it as a learning opportunity and don’t let it get you down.
15. Stay positive:
It can be difficult to stay positive after receiving negative feedback, but it’s important to try. Remember that the feedback is not a reflection of you as a person, but rather a reflection of your work. Try to separate the two in your mind and you’ll be better equipped to handle negative feedback constructively.
Conclusion:
It’s important to remember that negative feedback is not a personal attack, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to it, use it as a learning opportunity, and don’t let it get you down. Stay positive and remember that the feedback is not a reflection of you as a person, but rather a reflection of your work.
