ProfessionalDevelopment
Picture this: Zara, an experienced trainer, has poured her passion and creativity into the design of a new workshop. She envisions this will not only showcase her skills but also make a meaningful impact. After submitting her work, she awaits feedback, imagining praise and applause.
But, when her manager calls her in for a review, the atmosphere shifts. Instead of the expected compliments, her manager releases a barrage of unexpected criticism.
As the words sink in, Zara’s heart races. First, disbelief washes over; could this be about her work? Then comes a wave of embarrassment and frustration. She feels her passion and effort being dismissed. As she leaves the meeting, a cloud of self-doubt rises. What went wrong? Was her creativity not enough?
But amidst the turmoil, a spark of determination ignites. Zara knows she must navigate this well. How can she turn this setback into a learning opportunity?
There’s an emotional rollercoaster that follows unexpected criticism. But there are steps you can take to transform your response into growth and resilience.
When you receive feedback that your work product isn’t ready for prime time, consider these steps.
Instead of leaning into your natural defensive response, reflect and process. Allow yourself time to work through initial emotional reactions. Then, focus on the constructive aspects of the feedback. When you do this, you can understand the specific areas that need improvement.
When your impulse is to dismiss your feedback provider’s criticism, ask for more. Ask for more details to understand exactly what aspects of your work need enhancing. This will target your improvement efforts more effectively.
Consult with colleagues, mentors or other experts in your field. Here you are seeking varied perspectives, not an echo chamber. Others can help you to interpret the feedback and extract useful nuggets. You will gain different insights into how to elevate your work to the required standard.
Now that you have zeroed in on the improvement areas, you can develop a clear roadmap. You can break down the improvements into manageable tasks or goals. With specific, actionable steps, you address the identified weaknesses in your work.
Use the “drip” approach to incorporate feedback. Try focusing efforts on one aspect at a time. Don’t seek to overhaul everything at once. This allows for more consistent and sustainable improvement.
It’s time to own any skill gaps that may be contributing to the work’s shortcomings. Invest in training or self-study to address them. Turning the light on your skill gaps is part of the selfawareness journey.
Set up periodic reviews with your manager, a mentor or the feedback provider. This ensures you stay on track and receive ongoing guidance and offers you a continuous partner in your improvement efforts.
Now, create a routine of assessing your own work through a critical lens. This is skill building. When you try the view from another vantage point, you catch potential issues before submitting.
Next, look through the lens of your long-term goals and the organization’s expectations. Play to your strengths and push yourself further. Does your improved work align with your personal goals and the organization’s expectations? This critical question helps you assess the next steps for continued personal and professional growth.
Maintain a growth mindset by staying open to feedback. View feedback as an opportunity for continuous improvement rather than criticism.
The sting of unexpected criticism can be powerful, but do not let it derail you. Channel that energy into actionable steps for improvement using the techniques outlined here. Transform feedback from a source of frustration into a catalyst for breakthrough.
Your growth and success await on the other side.
Sylvia Cherry is a trainer, consultant and certified professional in training management. Email her at sylvia@cherrylearningcoach.com or connect through www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-leigh-cherry.
