Understanding criticism
- Philip Brophy
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Maximising on feedback • 3 min read
The Harvard Business Review published a study on employee’s attitudes toward feedback. Their research showed that 72% of the participants felt their performance would improve if they received corrective feedback.
If negative feedback was delivered appropriately, 92% of participants agreed that this feedback is effective for improving performance.
The study showed that employees are keen to use the feedback loop to help improve their performance.
Introduction
We’ve looked at how by reframing criticism and interpreting feedback in positive ways, we can extract essential data to both grow and develop in the workplace. We’ll now look at further ways to put this into practice.
Listen, process, and ask for examples
Maximising on feedback involves actively listening to the other person and processing their feedback — without interrupting them by analysing and questioning their assessment.
You can then repeat back what you’ve heard to make sure that you’ve grasped the essential elements, e.g., “So you’re saying that I’m not engaging enough with other people’s ideas in meetings, is that right?”
For further clarity, you can also ask for specific examples.
Take these two examples:
1. “Well, give me two examples of when you thought I behaved that way.”
2. “Can you point out some examples where you think I came across that way? Just so I have an idea of what I need to work on.”
Example 1 is a closed, definitive statement that could show contempt, defensiveness, and scepticism on your part — as if you’re asking the other person to prove themselves.
Example 2 shows a more humble approach where you’re willing to learn. Although, you may not 100% agree with their comments, it’s not saying that you necessarily do, but still shows a willingness to collaborate and learn.
Understand your critic
This can be key to understanding criticism. It may be your manager giving it. It may be your teammate. Regardless, it’s vital to maintain perspective, and depending on who it comes from, the feedback could merit a different type of response.
We can do this by being aware of the delivery. Ask yourself — Was the feedback given in a respectful way? Who’s it coming from? A trusted colleague who has your best interests at heart? If so, yes, you can invite it with open arms.
Otherwise, try to set boundaries around uninvited feedback from inappropriate sources.
For example, if colleague Barby Barbara suggests that you go about a task in a different way, you could say, “Thanks for your feedback — sounds like a great way to go about it but I plan to stick to my method as I find it works well for me.”
Key takeaways
To make the best of feedback, ask for examples of where you’ve fallen short. This will provide clarity, while indicating a willingness to grow and learn.
Understand your critic. Not everyone has good intentions. If you’re looking for reliable feedback, it’s best to seek out a trusted source who has your best interests at heart.
Graciously set boundaries with those who give uninvited feedback. Thank them for their input but assertively and respectfully let them know that it’s not welcome, “Thanks for your suggestion but I find that my way is effective and works for me.”
Think big, act small
Next time you get negative feedback, try to spin it to your advantage.
Listen closely, process the information, avoid reacting impulsively, and repeat back the comments to make sure you’re on the same page, while showing a willingness to learn.
Content sources
Forbes, 2019, Andy Molinsky, ‘Five Essential Tips for Handling Constructive Criticism’
Harvard Business Review, 2015, Carolyn O’Hara, ‘How to Get the Feedback You Need’
Harvard Business Review, 2018, Tasha Eurich, ‘The Right Way to Respond to Negative Feedback’
Harvard Business Review, 2018, Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman, ‘Your Employees Want The Feedback You Hate To Give’
Muse, The, 2012, ‘Taking Constructive Criticism Like a Champ’
Psychology Today, 2014, Lissa Rankin, ‘10 Tips for Receiving Criticism with Grace’
Psychology Today, 2021, Ellen Hendriksen, ‘How to Take Criticism Gracefully’
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