How to turn criticism to your advantage

Don't defend yourself

Try to understand your emotions first. Think about why you hate to hear criticism. Are you ashamed or embarrassed? Or are you upset that your efforts were not appreciated? A defensive reaction is quite natural, but in such a situation it will do more harm than good. So try not to let your feelings get the better of you.

As much as you want to be annoyed, just try to listen to the other person and give yourself time to think about the answer.

Record what you hear

When cool, return to your notes. This will help you better comprehend the criticism and understand if you have additional questions.

Assess if the criticism is fair

Sometimes the boss really wants to help you improve your work, but there are times when the criticism is unfounded. Try to objectively assess what you are facing.

If your boss isn't just scolding, but is explaining what you can do to work better, listen to his words. But if you are being criticized unfairly because of factors beyond your control, do not be intimidated or break your spirit. If this recurs frequently, consider whether it is worth staying in the job.

Ask questions

Focus on facts, not your feelings. If your boss says you need to improve your organizational skills, clarify what he means and ask for examples.

For example, ask, "What exactly do I need to do differently to improve my work?" This way you will know exactly what to work on, and you will not waste your time and energy.

Ask for help

If something interferes with your work, say so. Perhaps you need additional training, or there are some factors that your boss does not know about: personal problems or a large project that takes up all of your time. Discuss these obstacles and decide how to overcome them.

Make a plan of action

When you realize what you need to improve in your work, think about what steps to take to do so. How can you make sure you don't repeat your mistake? How can you track the development of a new skill? Make a detailed plan with deadlines so you don't forget about anything and track your progress.

After a while, inform the manager of your progress

Many are unsure of whether to report their success to their boss afterward. Don't be afraid to do this. After a month or two, ask the leader to meet to discuss your progress, ask if he has additional comments. A good leader will never refuse.