Criticism is never any fun, and it’s even harder to take when you’re sure your way is the right way. But the truth is that there are right ways and wrong ways of handling criticism, and mastering the art of taking it like a man can greatly help you achieve your career goals.
You see, unlike criticism from your friends or family, criticism in the office isn’t personal. If you handle it the right way, constructive criticism can be the key to success for your career. Employers are honest when they criticise employees on their work. You can choose to use it as a learning tool, as a means for you to truly perfect your art.
How to handle office criticism in 3 easy steps!
Even though you might feel like punching your boss for criticizing you, it’s always better to breathe and remember the easy 1, 2, 3 of handling criticism at the office!
1 is for Appreciation
Because we’re all human, we’re all inclined to go on the defensive when we’re criticised. Although you might not feel like showing it, you should thank your boss for his feedback, however brutal it might feel to you. Your boss needs to be able to see that you can handle criticism without losing your temper. And hey, you might even surprise yourself!
2 is for Positivity
When you get criticised, you have an opportunity to think about your own actions and reactions. You have an opportunity of seeing how your behaviour affects those around you; how it contributes to the company you work for. In whatever you do, always try and find the positive side of things. Avoid breaking down into negativity and harming those around you with your words.
Instead of attacking when you get criticised, take a step back and really think about what has been said. Try and find ways in which those words can help you and save your job. Might there be any truth in the words of your boss? Perhaps what he has said can help you become a better version of yourself, become more productive at the office.
3 is for Calmness
At times, criticism isn’t helpful, but you always have a choice between freaking out and being the bigger, better person. Whenever you’re faced with criticism, try your best to respond in a calm and friendly manner. It’s like Winston Churchill said: “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it’s necessary. It fulfils the same function as pan in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”
If you’re receiving more criticism than you can handle, and your job isn’t turning out to be as great as you thought it would be, it might be time for a change of scenery. You can make that change with Adzuna. We have thousands of amazing jobs on offer right now.