Negative feedback, huh? What is it good for? Well, if you’re on the delivery end it might be a good idea to cut it out altogether and concentrate on feedback of the ‘constructive’ variety. But if you’re on the receiving end of negative feedback, you don’t always have that choice.
Thankfully, if you can figure out how to process that negative feedback without taking it personally, you can turn it to your personal benefit. There can be a lot of truth in negative feedback, even if you have to dig beneath the surface of your colleague’s words to reach it.
Nobody’s saying you shouldn’t rage against the machine and speak up against workplace bullying, or even try to guide a boss or client with no sense of professional bedside manner. But you put yourself in a much stronger position to respond to, improve from – and if necessary fight back against – negative feedback when it is delivered if you stay calm. Try to silence your inner teenager for a moment and actually listen to what the other person is saying. You don’t have to apologize immediately (if at all) for whatever they’re criticizing. Breathe deeply and take your time. Lower your shoulders and keep your body language open.
And then? To find out how to process that negative feedback, check out this new visual guide from CashNetUSA.
That feedback might be good for something after all!
Courtesy of: CashNetUSA
