7 answers
eliana
Student
Troutdale, Oregon
3
Questions
Asked
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can you take criticism and if not why?
can you take criticism and if not why and how ?
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7 answers
Piyasa Paul, PMI-ACP, CSPO
Program Manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Piyasa’s Answer
Hi Eliana!
What a great question - we're a group collaborating on experiences we have come across. Criticism can definitely be challenging to receive. In our experience, we try to strive to reframe criticism as an opportunity to grow. When advice is given, it's a gift. Usually, the giver of said criticism has good intentions but sometimes they might struggle with delivery. When you experience this, work to focus this feedback as an opportunity to grow a new skill. Don't be afraid to lean on others who may be strong at this skill or you can ask the person to provide context on what they are hoping to see in your growth.
What a great question - we're a group collaborating on experiences we have come across. Criticism can definitely be challenging to receive. In our experience, we try to strive to reframe criticism as an opportunity to grow. When advice is given, it's a gift. Usually, the giver of said criticism has good intentions but sometimes they might struggle with delivery. When you experience this, work to focus this feedback as an opportunity to grow a new skill. Don't be afraid to lean on others who may be strong at this skill or you can ask the person to provide context on what they are hoping to see in your growth.
Natalie Dunn
CareerVillage.org TeamProduct Manager at CareerVillage.org
30
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Natalie’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Eliana,
This is a great question and something that comes up in most peoples' careers. Maybe you've heard of "constructive criticism," which which I would say is the positive version of criticism, with the goal of helping you improve. In the beginning of my career, I really struggled with constructive criticism, because I thought it meant I wasn't good enough at my job, but it really is something that I had to practice and learn how to be okay with receiving. Usually, someone will give you constructive criticism because they care about your growth. Sometimes, someone may criticize you with less helpful intentions, in that case, I would ignore it. :) If you build trust with someone, like a friend, family member, coworker, your boss, etc., it is a lot easier to take constructive criticism, because you can trust it's coming from the best place with the goal of improving your performance, relationship, friendship, or whatever it might be.
I hope this helps, and congratulations on taking this step to think about your future.
This is a great question and something that comes up in most peoples' careers. Maybe you've heard of "constructive criticism," which which I would say is the positive version of criticism, with the goal of helping you improve. In the beginning of my career, I really struggled with constructive criticism, because I thought it meant I wasn't good enough at my job, but it really is something that I had to practice and learn how to be okay with receiving. Usually, someone will give you constructive criticism because they care about your growth. Sometimes, someone may criticize you with less helpful intentions, in that case, I would ignore it. :) If you build trust with someone, like a friend, family member, coworker, your boss, etc., it is a lot easier to take constructive criticism, because you can trust it's coming from the best place with the goal of improving your performance, relationship, friendship, or whatever it might be.
I hope this helps, and congratulations on taking this step to think about your future.
Thank you, Natalie for the advice.
eliana
Medaliz Rayza Trelles
Product Manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Medaliz Rayza’s Answer
Hi Eliana - I love this question! I think it's important to distinguish between constructive criticism vs unkind comments/behavior. Many years ago, I came across Carol Dweck's Ted talk on growth mindset. It was life changing! I find that if someone takes the time to provide thoughtful feedback, it's because they care and they are invested in your growth.
Watch Carol Dweck's Ted Talk
Medaliz Rayza recommends the following next steps:
Teresa Brzozowski
Workplace Experience
28
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Constructive feedback/criticism is something we all need to hear in order to learn and grow. We all have our own blind spots so sometimes it's helpful for someone else to point out an area for improvement. When receiving feedback, I assume the person is coming from a place of positive intent and genuinely there to help me. Sometimes, I need time to digest the feedback before I can decide how I will make improvements. In other cases, it's was easy to see how I could adapt and move forward. In some instances it was a real "ah ha" moment for me, where hearing the feedback/criticism helped me open my eyes to the impact of my actions on others on the team or in a group. The next time I was in a similar situation, I was aware of how I can acted in past instances and now was able to reframe my approach to improve the experience and outcomes for me and the team.
Brandon Slater
Senior Manager-FWA Commercialization
1
Answer
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Taking criticism is key to personal growth. Learning from experienced individuals is a good experience. Listening close and taking the time to think through the feedback is important to help individuals grow.
Paige Halligan
Program & Project Management Analyst
5
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Hi Eliana!
I think this is a great question as well. I think as someone who graduated from college in the last 2 years and am still finding my footing in a new career, it can definitely be tough to accept criticism. I think the biggest thing I have learned so far is to listen and observe often. Actively listening to how people act and how they interact with you can help you figure out how you learn and receive criticism the best. By understanding how you learn best, and providing that feedback to the people around you, you will only enhance your communication skills and continue to build relationships.
Hope this helps!
I think this is a great question as well. I think as someone who graduated from college in the last 2 years and am still finding my footing in a new career, it can definitely be tough to accept criticism. I think the biggest thing I have learned so far is to listen and observe often. Actively listening to how people act and how they interact with you can help you figure out how you learn and receive criticism the best. By understanding how you learn best, and providing that feedback to the people around you, you will only enhance your communication skills and continue to build relationships.
Hope this helps!
Martina Dove
Senior UX researcher
16
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Martina’s Answer
Taking constructive criticism with grace is vital for career growth, even though it's not always easy to hear. It can help you improve and grow. It is also good to know what feedback you are asking for, when you ask for feedback, otherwise you may get feedback that is not relevant or on something you can't do much about.
But also beware of people that find criticism with everything without giving you constructive ways of improving - that is just criticism and it is not helpful. In such situations, you may want to focus on asking "Can you tell me how would you approach this?" or "What would you do about this and why?".
But criticism can be very good and make you grow. As long as it is delivered respectfully.
But also beware of people that find criticism with everything without giving you constructive ways of improving - that is just criticism and it is not helpful. In such situations, you may want to focus on asking "Can you tell me how would you approach this?" or "What would you do about this and why?".
But criticism can be very good and make you grow. As long as it is delivered respectfully.