Appraisal time can be quite daunting. It’s that time of year when we are reviewed on the work we’ve done. For some, this can be quite intimidating as we might feel worried about what questions we will be asked, how to answer difficult questions, how the results will impact our career, etc.

            While there are some aspects you can be prepared for in advance, there may be another aspect that can catch us all off-guard: getting negative feedback or criticism, and it’s not always easy to handle this appropriately. For example, if your supervisor points out mistakes in your work or says that some aspects could have been done better, you might feel upset or even defensive. Some of us may even feel that we are being criticized personally, and this can be frustrating.

            If you have ever been in a situation like this, you may have wondered how to handle it so that the professional relationship doesn’t get impacted. Here are a few simple but important pointers to keep in mind while receiving negative feedback:

• Listen before responding: The very first thing to keep in mind is to completely listen to what the other person is saying, without interrupting or reacting immediately, even though you might want to respond or defend yourself. Remind yourself to allow the other person to finish talking or putting their points across before you respond.
• Understand it: While you are listening, try to understand what exactly is being said and why. Pay attention specifically to the following aspects: is the feedback a fact (based in reality) or the speaker’s personal opinion; is it accurate or are there discrepancies; what is the intent or motive behind it (for example, usually negative feedback is meant to be constructive/corrective). If you feel confused or have doubts, there is no harm in asking a few questions to clarify.
• Take some time: If you feel unsure about how to react, ask for some time to think clearly about what has been said and to be sure of how you feel about it. Not only will this help you gain clarity, but it may also show your manager that you are taking this feedback seriously and giving it enough importance. In addition, this can help ensure that you don’t react impulsively.   
• Don’t take it personally: Remember that in a professional setting, feedback is a crucial aspect to help employees improve and develop their skills. It does not necessarily mean that it is a personal insult to point out your faults or demotivate you. Try to take this as constructive criticism rather than a personal attack.
• Use it positively: When you are receiving feedback, try to gain the most from it. You can use it to clarify your role expectations and goals, reflect on your work, learn new skills, be seen as a mature and cooperative employee, and also develop a stronger rapport with your manager and team members.
• Recognize people’s intent: It may be natural for us to assume that we are being targeted or blamed. However, try to recognize that most often, negative feedback can be a sign that the other person is genuinely interested and concerned in our professional growth and development. It is only because they want us to enhance certain things that they provide constructive feedback.

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.