Criticism and suggestions are daily food when working. Many people interpret criticism as a negative thing, even though criticism can encourage you to work more optimally. Of course, criticism should also be conveyed using intonation and words that do not offend. However, what should you do when faced with criticism from your boss that may not be flattering?
No need to panic or feel intimidated, every criticism expressed has a solution. The key to dispelling this fear is to use criticism as inspiration to improve yourself. To be able to act professionally in the face of criticism from your superiors, here are 5 ways that you can apply.
Don’t take it personally
It’s easy to feel angry and offended when your work performance is criticized by your boss, especially when it’s done in front of other co-workers. This is something normal. When facing criticism, you have to have an open mind to truly separate the work environment from the personal sphere.
Remember that this criticism is not a personal attack from your boss on you, but input to improve your performance. Don’t get emotional right away or assume that your boss doesn’t like you. In the professional realm, good criticism is generally polite. However, if you receive criticism that is harsh enough from your boss, still give a good response without providing additional arguments.
Respect and understand the intentions of superiors
Maybe the criticism given has a negative connotation rather than a positive one. Even so, still thank you for the criticism given. Take a few deep breaths and calm yourself so you don’t get carried away by your emotions. If you are calm, you can discuss these criticisms with your superiors at another time so that both parties can straighten out a conducive working relationship.
There are several possibilities why your boss criticizes your work performance. It is possible that the boss was also criticized by his superiors due to the mistakes you made. If this is the case, you need to deal with criticism maturely in this situation. Understand that your boss doesn’t mean to scold you, but rather wants to help you do a better job.
Focus on the points that need improvement
No one is perfect in this world, including yourself. Dealing with criticism is an indispensable attitude for self-improvement, work performance, and leading you to success. What’s more, if the criticism comes from your boss, take this as a form of his attention because he wants you to be even better.
Take time to reflect on the criticism given while noting the points that are still lacking. You can also take notes for future reference. Don’t get hung up on the criticism in general, but pick the constructive points that need improvement.
For example, your boss complains about your work not being completed on time, meaning the problem lies in your time management. When you face criticism by focusing only on the highlighted problem points, you can more optimally turn the criticism into constructive sentences.
Independent work evaluation
After taking the key points from the criticism you received, it’s time to use them as work evaluation materials. Only you fully know your own work ethic, so it is appropriate to first assess your work performance based on the criticisms submitted by your superiors.
Of course, you don’t want to repeat the same mistake. If it happens again, your boss will think you didn’t take the input that was previously given seriously enough. It’s a good idea to make a small note containing the do’s and don’ts of the criticisms you collect. You need to deal with criticism by actually implementing it.
Turn criticism into achievement
There’s no better way to deal with criticism than to demonstrate accomplishments. Again, criticism is an important “tool” for developing your abilities. Instead of wasting energy cursing or condemning criticism from your boss, turn that criticism into a success.
During the next meeting with your boss, you can show your work achievements and reveal that these achievements might have occurred because of the criticism that was given by him. That way, you give appreciation indirectly and show that you have a great intention to grow with the company.