Do you silently seethe when you receive negative feedback? Or do fiery words erupt and spew all over the nasty instigator?
One fallout of our online world is instant feedback. Comments include both valid and unfair criticism. Some commentary can knock you off your feet.
Do you wish you had a better response to negative feedback?
The following describes 5 common situations associated with criticism and offers ideas for responding professionally.
How You Respond to Negative Feedback (and why it matters)
Let’s face it, no one likes receiving negative feedback. Criticism is personal and it often hurts. So, the first thing you need to do is deal with the emotions.
In my corporate days, criticism felt like a sport and I was the ball being struck. I discovered I could be sensitive to criticism. This is how I dealt with that knowledge.
- I learned to recognize I was reacting emotionally.
- Next, I would take private time to think about the situation.
- Only then would I address the situation with the person.
It worked well. Until our company forced personality tests on all of management (which I was a part of). Then, our CEO constantly threw in my face that I was overly sensitive. Ah, corporate life.
- But take that deep breath before responding. And think about it.
- Have you ever exploded where you felt good about it afterwards?
- Seldom do you gain from such a response (although it can signal you standing up for yourself or someone else).
How you handle uncomfortable circumstances speaks volumes about your professionalism. And you never know who is watching – especially on social media.
5 Common Situations
Negative feedback happens in different settings and for a variety of reasons. The following identifies 5 potential reasons (as illustrated below) and offers examples.
1. The person is right.
Sometimes we blow it. It could be a simple typo (are they ever simple?) or an error with serious consequences (often involving money-ouch). So, the feedback is warranted.
- Own up to it and don’t get defensive.
- Thank the person for letting you know (as painful as that may be).
- Let the person know you will fix it immediately.
2. The person is wrong.
A person posts a comment criticizing something you produced. The “error” they point out is dead wrong. As much as your Shoulder Satan urges you to blast and humiliate the person commenting, breathe first and keep it professional.
Another possible response is no response. If that person is not only wrong but left a snarky or troll-like comment, why add fuel to the situation? Staying silent robs the person of the attention he or she seeks. Often, other followers will come to your rescue with their own response.
For another example, let’s use the above calculation error, but this time, your boss is wrong.
3. The person is at fault.
What’s the best way to take the blame off you? Blame someone else (like this adorable dog). 🙂
It’s not so cute when a coworker or someone in social media is falsely accusing you.
4. The information is partially correct.
- Good news, bad news.
- The good news is you didn’t totally mess up.
- The bad news is you partially did.
5. The person is a control freak.
Micromanager is a professionally polite way to say someone is an extreme control freak. Aren’t we all control freaks to some degree? Please agree so I feel better about myself.
Good managers do need control, but some take it to a new level. It is difficult to get past the frustration you feel from constant nitpicking over every little detail.
So, we’re back to where we started.
- First, deal with your emotions.
- Second, pull out the valid feedback.
- Third, respond professionally.
Important Tip: Whenever you respond, be very aware of your tone (whether verbally or in writing).
Spinning Negative Feedback to Something Positive
Negative feedback is tough, especially when wrapped in an oppressive and demeaning delivery.
- Breathe
- Absorb
- Respond
Sometimes the response is moving on.
What tips do you have for responding to negative feedback? Please share your thoughts in Comments.
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