There comes a time in everyone’s life when you receive constructive criticism however, this feedback can be somewhat difficult to receive when it comes from your boss. We love to be praised for a good job but what happens when your work is less than stellar? How do you handle these situations? Here are 5 ways to handle negative feedback from your boss:
1. Enter Supervision with a Positive Attitude
Going into the meeting with a positive attitude allows you to be less defensive when responding to the constructive criticism received.
2. Be Receptive to Feedback
In order to be successful at handling feedback, you must be open to new ideas, suggestions or even change. To be receptive to negative feedback allows you to be a team player who is willing to do a great job. You not only come across as receptive but also flexible and not set in your ways.
3. Listen Carefully to the Feedback
Start by being silent. Listening goes a long way when receiving negative feedback. Listening carefully allows you to understand what is being said and helps you to determine if what is said is fact or opinion. In this stage, you also want to ensure that you always ask to follow up questions and focus on specific examples to make sure you have a solid understanding of the feedback in order to make improvements.
4. Depersonalize the Feedback
It is very important to view the feedback as information and not as a personal attack on you as a person. Look at the facts not your own option or excuse on the situation. For example: If your boss says “You have not met your deadlines on your project”, look at the facts of what caused you to be delayed and analyzed or reflect of you could have communicated the delay in a better manner.
5. Use the Feedback Implementation Review Meeting (FIRM) Approach.
Lastly, you want to use the feedback to implement change. In addition, set up a follow-up meeting to assess the implemented change so that your boss knows that you are serious about being successful in your role.
Being able to handle difficult or negative feedback within your workplace will set you apart from others and will help you to develop yourself for greater success. Dr. Z. originated the FIRM approach for this purpose.
Please explore our site for related articles on ways to manage employees and supervisors in the workplace.
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