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How to Handle Negative Feedback

The best way to deal with negative feedback is to listen, appraise it, and then take some action to address it. No one wants
to receive negative feedback but it occurs at one point or another in our career and how we handle it will
determine whether we grow from the experience or not. Welcome feedback on performance as a constructive way to help
you develop and improve your skills and performance.

Whether the feedback is solicited or not, appreciate that both giving and receiving criticism is never easy and studies
show that the communication of negative feedback is often unclear. Nonetheless, all criticism or negative feedback
must be viewed as containing information that is essential to your job. Be receptive to it. Whether it is founded or unfounded
is really not the issue. The key is for you to maintain your professionalism and listen. Seek out as much information in the
process as you can. Feedback helps you better understand yourself and how you are perceived by
your colleagues. All such information can be useful to you.

Listen carefully to what is being said, do not interrupt until the feedback is completed, then ask your questions. Try not
to react immediately because your emotions may get In the way. Appraise the feedback with as much detachment
as you can muster under the circumstances. Ask for helpful ideas or suggestions. And, finally work out some action
to address or improve the situation. Follow-up to confirm that you are making progress.