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It can be difficult to know exactly what to say after you’ve received negative feedback even though at some point we’re all going to get it. What matters most in these situations is how we choose to respond to the opinions of others as this determines whether or not we can learn and grow from the experience.<\/strong> Fact. At NTRW we’re certainly not strangers to both negative and positive feedback, so we decided to round up our 10 best responses for you so you can project dignity and grace when criticized whilst improving along the way.<\/strong><\/p>\n
In our professional relationships, it’s important to respond to negative feedback in a mature and sophisticated manner. Why? because if we can demonstrate to others that we’re open-minded enough to take note of where we may need to improve we’ll build stronger relationships and reputation based on trust and integrity.<\/p>\n
Now don’t get us wrong, being told our best efforts aren’t good enough isn’t fun or easy and many of us react to criticism with defensiveness. We know feedback is integral to the growth and yet we find it a difficult pill to swallow. As we grow as individuals we have to learn to put our egos aside and welcome the opinions of others. If we strive to see negative feedback for what it is; an opportunity to pinpoint what areas we need to work on we will transform into more successful versions of ourselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n
First, we’re going to challenge you to adopt the following process to handle constructive criticism with tact and dignity (t<\/strong>o jump to the responses, go to Template 1):<\/strong><\/p>\n
At the first sign of criticism, take a moment to pause and reflect. The purpose here is to remain calm and process. Whilst you’re doing this you’ll appear more evolved\u00a0to others.<\/p>\n
Here you should try to process the benefits of receiving constructive criticism. With the right mindset and implementation, you can take this feedback and propel your career and relationships. Try not to respond to the person giving feedback with contempt. Whether you respect them or not sometimes accurate feedback can come from the most unlikely sources.<\/p>\n
Listen closely to the persons’ perspective. Once they\u2019re done, repeat the feedback back in your head. It may help to ask questions at this point. Be willing to give this person the benefit of the doubt- don’t jump to conclusions that the person must be out to attack you.<\/p>\n
Expressing appreciation doesn\u2019t have to mean you lack a backbone and you agree with the assessment, but it does demonstrate that you\u2019re acknowledging the effort person giving feedback took to evaluate you and share their thoughts.<\/p>\n
By this point, you would normally come to a conclusion or agreement. Once you articulate how you will address the issue, sincerely thank the person again for the feedback, the conversation will come to an end. If the issue requires more attention, you may want to request a follow-up or ask more questions.<\/p>\n
Now for the scripts…<\/p>\n
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Illustrations courtesy of <\/i>Shutterstock<\/strong>.<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
This article was originally published on <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>. If this article appears on any other site other than <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong> without clear referencing it is a violation of the copyright owned by <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/i><\/p>\n
This article may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <\/span><\/em>Never the Right Word is a participant in the Awin Affiliates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to participating merchants.<\/span><\/em>\u00a0For more information, please view our <\/span><\/em>Privacy Policy and Earnings Disclosure page.<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThank you for your feedback. Could you elaborate on…<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
or…<\/p>\n
\nBased on what I understood, there are four key areas that I need to address, and here is what I understand that I do well and should continue to do. However there’s one comment you made that I’m confused about and here\u2019s why…<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
After you\u2019ve had the opportunity to let the comments sink in, go back and think about the main points expressed. Are they valid? If so, it might be worth going back to discuss further so you can get a better understanding of what you need to work on.<\/p>\n
The person giving you the feedback will appreciate that you\u2019ve taken the time to listen and understand their point of view and are put in the effort to establish the steps you will take to improve in the future.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/five-star-rating-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(420 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 2″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Script 2 | Ask Them to Confirm That They’re Happy to Say What They’re Saying<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nSo what you mean to say is [Repeat their Concerns]?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The main reason you want to get someone to reconfirm what their main issues are is to filter out ill intent and give them a chance to analyze what they are saying to you. If they’re lashing out about something that has nothing to do with you, this gives them the opportunity to consider what they’re saying.<\/p>\n
Asking someone to repeat their message is an opportunity for them to evaluate whether their feedback is constructive or not. During a feedback conversation, chances are you might be feeling somewhat defensive. whilst this is a natural human response it’s best to keep defensive behavior under wraps to maintain a professional image.<\/p>\n
Remember- take the high road!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/working-desk-tech-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(665 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_code admin_label=”Improving Your Focus LinkedIn Learning Preview Video” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ text_orientation=”left” link_option_url=”https:\/\/linkedin-learning.pxf.io\/VK39R” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_module=”10841″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”on”]If you’re looking to develop your communication skills for professional environments even further, we think you\u2019ll like the following video course from LinkedIn Learning. Check out the preview below:
