Rather than trying to avoid criticism, expert performers welcome it. They seekout coaches and advisors who can give them constructive, sometimes even painfulfeedback. They then use this feedback as a guide for steady improvement.
Here are some steps you can take to handle criticism effectively:
1. Acknowledge Your Error -
Acknowledging a mistake is not the sameas acknowledging that you are an inferior person/a failure. If you believe thecriticism is accurate, take full responsibility. Dont blame something orsomeone else and dont make excuses. If appropriate, offer a diplomatic apology:Im sorry that my actions led to that result. It certainly was not my intention.Again, if appropriate, ask for suggestions on how you can improve yourperformance the next time.
2. Take Corrective Action
- After you ve heard the other personout completely, and listened to any suggestions for improvement,state/communicate your eagerness to improve in the future. If appropriate,describe any actions you will take at his time to counterbalance your previouserror.
3. Acknowledge the other persons motive
Thank the other person for the feedbackand make sure to state how valuable you consider it. This demonstrates yourability to use criticism as a way to improve an essential quality of a leader.In addition, let the other person know that you are open to receiving his orher feedback in the future.
Even when you dont care for the style in which criticism is presented, bethankful that the other person is willing to give you feedback, and along withit, an opportunity to improve.
Kalyanaraman
