The ability to take criticism - important for your professional success

Reading time 6 minutes

Sometimes you don't want to have anything more to do with someone who criticizes your work. "Let your colleagues do better first!" you think. The tone and manner in which you are criticized certainly play an important role. But why is the criticism really triggering you right now: what sore point have you been hit with? In this article, you will find out more about Self-reflection and how you can learn to be critical. Because it is an important key skill.

What does critical faculties mean?

The ability to take criticism meansthat you can deal well with criticism from other people. And the opinion of others always plays a role, even if some say the opposite.

Critical evaluations or assessments often trigger negative impulses. But this is by no means a malicious attack. On the contrary, factual and constructive criticism will help you. However, this also includes the desire for a positive result.

The ability to take criticism includes responding appropriately to feedback from your colleagues on the one hand and being able to criticize correctly yourself on the other. So both sides are meant.

Why is criticism important for professional success?

Anyone who deflects criticism cannot develop further. Anyone who reacts angrily or aggressively is usually not listening properly. The ability to take criticism is fundamental for professional success and also in private life. Otherwise, every point of criticism will turn into a heated argument.

Feedback and constructive criticism help you to see other points of view and learn from mistakes. This is precisely why you should learn the ability to take criticism - to listen properly and to constantly improve.

Criticism versus feedback: differences and interpretations

The transition between criticism and feedback is fluid. Criticism often has a slightly negative connotation, while feedback is the milder version, so to speak. Criticism often contains the observation that something is missing or wrong. However, feedback can also contain positive elements.

Feedback therefore clearly offers an opportunity for improvement. Criticism, on the other hand, focuses on the deficiency.

Both - feedback and criticism - are indispensable in professional life. Above all Executives should be able to take criticism. This is because the ability to take criticism motivates employees and therefore increases the quality of work. Of course, this also applies to criticism of superiors: Good bosses are able to accept feedback from their team and thus improve the working atmosphere.

open to criticism

Dealing with criticism: self-reflection and resilience

Do you recognize the Dealing with criticism difficult? That's not a bad thing, because you can train your critical faculties. First of all, you need to assess yourself correctly. It helps if you get to know another point of view.

With the necessary self-reflection, you will be able to draw positive conclusions from the criticism. This makes you more self-confident and also strengthens your Resilience. Even if someone criticizes you a little more harshly and overshoots the mark, you don't immediately go off the deep end.

Just remember that criticism usually has a specific purpose. If you know where it is going, it will be easier for you to be open to criticism. An insulting reaction, on the other hand, is useless.

Some people only look for faults in others and reject all criticism. This definitely has nothing to do with the ability to take criticism. It is better to address the points of criticism honest to consider.

Open communication with criticism plays a role, especially at work. There should be no apportioning of blame here either. Ideally, you should tackle problems together: with specific examples, objective comments and constructive suggestions. In this way, the ability to take criticism in a team leads to improvements and fair dealings with one another.

Strategies to promote your critical faculties

Who Accepting criticism wants to be criticized without being offended, there are a few tips and strategies for this. These tips work particularly well with constructive criticism, i.e. when direct suggestions for improvement are made. In such a situation, only a small amount of criticism is necessary, as the solution is provided right away. The bad review is followed by a suggested solution: this way, you can actively participate as the person being criticized.

Useful tips for accepting criticism:

  • Keep your distance and don't see the criticism as an attack or insult. Remain objective.
  • Listen carefully and let the critic finish. Rash reactions can escalate the situation.
  • If you are not sure whether you have understood the critical evaluation correctly, you should follow up immediately.
  • Don't take a defensive stance, but explain objectively what led to your criticized action.
  • Take the criticism and suggestions for improvement positively and focus on the goal instead of making excuses and blaming others.

Emotional intelligence in coping with criticism

Emotional intelligence has a beneficial effect on both the working environment and private life. Who emotionally intelligent can accept criticism - but without this competence, people are not capable of criticism, but are sensitive and argumentative.

With smart criticism management, you can get through difficult phases at work. This means that employees happier and are more motivated. It's logical: if you understand your colleagues and can easily deal with occasional criticism, you feel respected.

Healthy communication strengthens team spirit and also paves the way for your career. Especially in management positions, emotional intelligence helps with criticism from all sides.

Criticism in a professional environment: the key to leadership

Nobody does everything right, which is why criticism is absolutely normal at work. Nevertheless, you find it difficult when someone criticizes your work. When you are working towards success, you feel set back by critical statements. It is therefore all the more important not to see criticism as an annoyance, but as a tip on how you can improve.

If your boss criticizes you for a mistake, there is little point in justifying yourself. It's better to admit your mistake and be more careful in future. Is the criticism coming from customers or business partners? Then you should sit down with them and find out exactly what the problem is. In the best case scenario, you can make a suggestion as to how the problem can be rectified thoroughly and quickly. The ability to take criticism is also often required when communicating with colleagues. Perhaps someone is bothered by your behavior at work. Some people are literally looking for faults because they are jealous. Here it is important to find out the real reason for the criticism. Who knows, maybe it is unfounded criticism? As Executive you should be particularly careful with such things.

Giving criticism: the art of constructive feedback

The ability to criticize also includes criticizing yourself. When you give someone feedback, you should remain objective.

Before you get started, you need to take a close look at the situation: What has happened and who is responsible? What options are there for improvement? And above all: What are your intentions?

Well-founded, constructive criticism should make the other person think and act. It is by no means about portraying yourself as flawless. So be honest with yourself and the other person.

Overcoming resistance: Ways to improve critical faculties

Many people find it difficult to deal with criticism. Even constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement sometimes feel like a reproach. Why didn't I get it right? It's not all my fault! Through such negative thoughts you build up a protective wall inside, but this stands in the way of your ability to take criticism.

If you want to be able to take criticism, you need to have as positive an attitude as possible. This works best if you don't see criticism as something bad or unfair. Realize that no one means you any harm. See your mistakes as milestones that are part of your development. This way, you can even grateful be because they have caught your attention.

Conclusion: Cultivate your critical faculties

In the Greator Business Workbook you will find tips for personal development and learn to be more critical. The informative and targeted answers to your questions will help you to accept criticism and stay focused. Objective communication and thorough consideration are essential. If you think logically, you will overcome your initial sensitive reaction - and become able to take criticism. This will help you in your career and also help you with personal problems.

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Reviewed by Dr. med. Stefan Frädrich

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