Try This Response to Criticism
- Say thanks. Even if the feedback is
negative, avoid the urge to defend yourself. If you agree, say so and thank the person. If you don’t agree, say nothing except “thank you.”
- Think about what the person said. Walk away and take time to honestly answer this question: “Was the feedback accurate?” Don’t waste time trying to think of ways to defend yourself or to criticize your criticizer.
- Ask for more information if you feel you need it. Even if you disagree with the feedback, it can help to know the reasons for it. Also, you both need to agree on the problem and how serious it is before moving to the next step.
- Find out what you need to change. Ask for specifics. If the other person has none, and if you feel you deserve the criticism, try to think of how you might do better. But also consider this: The lack of specifics could also mean the criticism was unfounded.
- Follow through on any changes you’ve agreed to or on those you’ve decided to try on your own.
