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Can you describe a time your work was criticized and how did you handle it?
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Gloria’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
I work in a job where it is my job to get critiques every day. I am an Instructional Designer, which is a person who creates training that is either taught by a teacher or taken in web-based format. When I create training, there is a lot of back and forth about the framework that the training takes. Is the content complete? Does it meet the need of the student? Those conversations are about giving and receiving feedback in ways that are sometimes not comfortable. I am assuming from your question that you are concerned about how to handle how you feel about that criticism. It is not easy to get negative feedback. However, you control how you take that feedback. First, you need to take the feedback as a gift. Most criticism is an attempt to help you get better. Second, you need to determine if you actually agree with that feedback or can see what they are saying. It isn't about being liked. It is about the facts at hand. As an instructional designer, I have been told to add or remove content that was not the right way to handle the training. I had to say no, I will not change what I have done. I am right here. That can be tough and yet if it is the right thing to do, then you must do that. If you need more information before you decide how to handle it, ask questions. I have done that. I have had someone tell me, I don't like what you had done here or it looks terrible. While my first instinct might have been hurt feelings, I have to ask "Why?" I cannot really know how to move on without knowing why they feel the way that they do.
Gloria
I work in a job where it is my job to get critiques every day. I am an Instructional Designer, which is a person who creates training that is either taught by a teacher or taken in web-based format. When I create training, there is a lot of back and forth about the framework that the training takes. Is the content complete? Does it meet the need of the student? Those conversations are about giving and receiving feedback in ways that are sometimes not comfortable. I am assuming from your question that you are concerned about how to handle how you feel about that criticism. It is not easy to get negative feedback. However, you control how you take that feedback. First, you need to take the feedback as a gift. Most criticism is an attempt to help you get better. Second, you need to determine if you actually agree with that feedback or can see what they are saying. It isn't about being liked. It is about the facts at hand. As an instructional designer, I have been told to add or remove content that was not the right way to handle the training. I had to say no, I will not change what I have done. I am right here. That can be tough and yet if it is the right thing to do, then you must do that. If you need more information before you decide how to handle it, ask questions. I have done that. I have had someone tell me, I don't like what you had done here or it looks terrible. While my first instinct might have been hurt feelings, I have to ask "Why?" I cannot really know how to move on without knowing why they feel the way that they do.
Gloria
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Hi, I have recently received negative feedback and I still struggle with it when I receive it at this stage of my career. (I've been in the business for 30+ years). However, I do stay quiet, listen to what the person has to say and then say ok. I try not to let it bother me. However, I reflect on it to see if there is anything that I can do better. If I realize there is, then I will focus on what I can improve and take action to correct my behavior.
If I cannot find anything to improve upon, I will just let the feedback go and move on with my day.
If I cannot find anything to improve upon, I will just let the feedback go and move on with my day.
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Jessica,
There was a time when I was told that I didn't do a good job on a project. Feedback never feels "good" but they were correct. The best attribute is to be able to receive feedback and action it.
Thanks,
Blake
There was a time when I was told that I didn't do a good job on a project. Feedback never feels "good" but they were correct. The best attribute is to be able to receive feedback and action it.
Thanks,
Blake
Updated
Emily’s Answer
This happens more often than I like. Not because I am bad, but because I am growing in my job and learning new things. I have learned the best way to deal with criticism is to shut up, listen to it and say thank you. Then after the encounter I contemplate parts that are true and what I can work on to do better. Sometimes parts are not true, but are instead a perception that looks real to the other person. In that case I need to work on making what is truly going on be more visible to the other person (boss) usually by documenting actions I am taking and reviewing them with my boss.
My advise, try not to be afraid of criticism. It can be a useful gift. I'd rather someone tell me I need to work on something than just let me do it wrong and I get passed over for a promotion or worse fired.
You will find this exact question in many MANY interviews!
My advise, try not to be afraid of criticism. It can be a useful gift. I'd rather someone tell me I need to work on something than just let me do it wrong and I get passed over for a promotion or worse fired.
You will find this exact question in many MANY interviews!
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
I am also really inherently bad at taking criticism, but I think you can take it one of two ways: 1) start beating yourself up in your head, and being super negative or 2) take it as a learning experience, grow from it, and never make the mistake again. With the caveat that sometimes people just don't agree on the way something should be done, and it's more of a personal preference. For those types of situations, you kind of just have to agree to disagree, but know you didn't do anything wrong. ALSO, one last thing is remember the people criticizing you are probably older and were once in your position, making the same mistakes as you, and having someone criticize them. And guess what, they are still making mistakes today, just different mistakes. No one is perfect. You live and you learn.
Hope this helps!
Katherine
I am also really inherently bad at taking criticism, but I think you can take it one of two ways: 1) start beating yourself up in your head, and being super negative or 2) take it as a learning experience, grow from it, and never make the mistake again. With the caveat that sometimes people just don't agree on the way something should be done, and it's more of a personal preference. For those types of situations, you kind of just have to agree to disagree, but know you didn't do anything wrong. ALSO, one last thing is remember the people criticizing you are probably older and were once in your position, making the same mistakes as you, and having someone criticize them. And guess what, they are still making mistakes today, just different mistakes. No one is perfect. You live and you learn.
Hope this helps!
Katherine