How to Accept Criticism and Deal with Negative Feedback

June 20, 2022 |

It’s only natural that everyone will encounter criticism and negative feedback at some point in their lives. It may be difficult to handle, but it’s important to learn how to accept it and deal with it effectively. Here are some ways to accept criticism and deal with negative feedback in healthy ways.

What is criticism?

Criticism is any form of observation or feedback about a person, thing, or idea intended to make them better at what they do.

In the workplace, criticism is often given by superiors to their employees when they feel they are not doing their job well. It can also be given by peers to other colleagues in a group setting. Criticism can also be given to an individual from friends, family members, and strangers as well.

The benefits of criticism

Criticism is a natural part of the growth process. To grow, you need to be exposed to feedback, both positive and negative. Criticism can help you learn how to improve and avoid doing the same thing repeatedly.

How to deal with critics

First, try to find the root of their criticism. Are they suggesting that your product or service isn’t what it claims to be? Are they saying you don’t deserve your success? It’s important to understand that criticism doesn’t always come from a bad place.

You should also look for flaws in your own performance. For example, if someone is criticizing your presentation skills, it may be time to take a break and practice your presentation again. If people are criticizing you for not following up with them, it may just be an issue of poor communication on your end that you need to improve on.

Strive for self-improvement. It's easy to get caught up in the idea of being perfect because then no one can criticize you. By striving for self-improvement, you will free yourself from any idea of being perfect and will stop resenting those who do criticize you.

Here are more tips for how you can handle criticism and feedback:

Don't take what people say personally: Criticism is a natural part of the growth process. The key is to not take it personally, so you can remain calm when facing criticism.

Don't make excuses: Don't make excuses for your mistakes or try to justify them because this will only cause more problems in the long run.

Take responsibility: Take responsibility for your actions by admitting when something is your fault, instead of blaming other people or situations for things going wrong.

Be confident: Confidence gives you power which equates into strength which helps get out of tough situations without feeling threatened or attacked by others. It also allows people to trust in you, which leads to more opportunities later on down the line.

Ask questions: Ask questions because they help clarify things and also give you time to think about what was said before responding.

How to deal with negative feedback

First, try and take a step back. If you find yourself reacting too quickly to criticism, try and take a breath before responding. This will help you be more productive in your response as well as not make things worse.

Next, get rid of any preconceived notions and biases that may be influencing your response before you begin.

Then, think about why the person is giving feedback. Is it because they want to help you? Is it because they heard an incorrect rumor? Do they disagree with your idea or opinion? The reason behind their feedback is what will determine how you should respond to them.

Asking for specifics is important when someone gives you criticism. Not everyone is going to be able to give you helpful criticism, so be sure you’re only asking for what you need. 

If you don’t receive helpful criticism, don’t take it personally. Some people have a harder time criticizing others’ work than others. Try to remember that everyone was once a beginner, so don’t be too hard on those who don’t know how to give helpful criticism.

When faced with negative feedback, it’s important that you maintain your composure, take the advice given (or don't), and move on.

Criticism is a natural part of the creative process. It can be difficult to receive criticism and to deal with its effects, but the benefits of criticism and how to handle it can be worthwhile. Learning how to handle criticism and negative feedback is an important part of professional development—you will gain a deeper understanding of what people are saying, and discover ways you can improve your work in the future.