Receiving negative feedback at work is difficult to process. No one enjoys receiving a poor performance review or negative comments about your work but you can turn it around and make it work for you.
When you receive criticism, stop and take a moment to clear your head. Take a deep breath, go for a walk, find a place of calm within you. You may feel overwhelmed with emotion or you may feel like it’s the end of the world- at least the end of your career. Remember, you will get past this. It’s important to recognize that none of us are perfect; we’ve all made mistakes and received criticism at work.
Consider the feedback you’ve received, looking past any unfavorable language or poorly communicated guidance. Chances are there is some constructive criticism to acknowledge and opportunity for improvement. Even if you’ve performed well to your own standards, your employer may have different culture, standard or goal.
If it was not already provided, ask for specific, measurable goals for improvement. In your manager’s eyes, what does positive performance look like? How is it measured? How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
Going forward, focus on what you can do better and do it. Pay close attention to the areas you can improve and channel your energy into doing your best work. Wow your employer and co-workers with your efforts and dispel any doubts about your abilities.
Try your best to practice a positive attitude. A positive attitude is contagious, and you will soon have the people around you rallying behind you and supporting you to do great work.
Although it might be tempting to do so, don’t complain! Complaining will lead to resentment, frustration and will hold you back. When you complain you’re focusing on what isn’t working instead of what is. Regardless of any negative feedback you received, you are still a valuable employee with great skills to offer your employer. Recognize your own value and celebrate your talents!
When you can face criticism and use it to improve your performance and attitude, you will gain confidence in yourself and your abilities. You will impress your employer and yourself!
While receiving negative feedback is discouraging at first, recognize that you can do better and applying yourself to development and growth will provide you with a sense of satisfaction and work accomplishments you will carry with you throughout your career.