News & Events

By Dawn Taylor, Director of Business Development

Question: Why is it that when we hear the word feedback it sends some of us into a downward spiral of emotional despair? Why do some feel that feedback, no matter what the situation, will in some way affect us in a negative way?

I recently had a meeting with a client who is in the middle of the organization’s performance review process.  For some reason the stress levels at the organization were very high surrounding the reviews.

Criticism can be very difficult to hear. Learning how to accept criticism as constructive feedback and grow professionally from the experience enables professional growth. Regardless of the context, the feedback is a valuable temperature gauge of your performance and can be a valuable indicator of areas that need attention.

Often we focus only on the negative aspect of the words, and not on the intention of the feedback. Some feel like they are being scolded and become unmotivated and discouraged. This can lead to a lack of job satisfaction along with diminished productivity and utter contempt for the person that gave the feedback. This is  never a good thing especially if he/she has the authority to give you a pink slip and send you packing.

Listed below are a few ways to process criticism.

Listen – Begin by listening carefully to the criticism. Remove bias from other personal issues. Ask for feedback in writing. Having feedback in writing lessens the possibility of a misunderstanding.

Discover – Ask questions. Become a detective. Gather information. Make sure you fully understand the context of the feedback. Try to see their point of view.

Plan – Create an action plan with short term and long term goals. Identify the resources needed and give yourself reasonable timelines to implement.

Action – Start implementing your action plan as soon as possible. Show that the feedback has been heard through your actions.

I cannot think of a single person who likes criticism but without it we cannot evolve. So do me a favor, the next time you have a performance review look your supervisor in the eye and let he or she know that you are ready to grow. Then smile; it will put both of you at ease.