Criticism

Taking Criticism  If you're like anybody else in the world, you've been criticized for something in your life. I would like to help you deal with if at work and maybe you can take away from it something you can use in your life too. LISTEN: Whether you consider it feedback, complaining, whining, or constructive criticism, listen to what the other person has to say. This isn’t the time to get defensive or try to justify your actions. Just like any other discussion, let them finish what they are trying to say, and then take a moment to consider it. Is the person telling you how to do your job, or are they telling you the kind of help they need? Usually, criticism is coming from someone that wants to help you serve them better, so take the time to listen to what they have to say. CONSIDER: Consider the source, and then think through their suggestion. Is it something that you can possibly do? If you were to complete the task at hand in the way they are suggesting, would the final outcome be different? Don’t get caught up in the blame-game. It doesn’t matter if “it’s procedure” or “this is the way I was taught how to do it.” Change comes through discussion, and providing all parties are actually interested in improving the end result, everything should be considered. Don’t write a person’s suggestion off because you think they don’t have a clue about what you do. Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to create a great solution. DISCUSS: Once they have shared their thoughts on the situation, and you have taken the time to consider the various possibilities, discuss the merits of their idea, as well as the possible challenges. Work together to determine how the solution would play out. Discuss who is responsible for each part of the solution. When will it happen? And if it doesn’t happen, what will be the consequences?