Receiving negative feedback at work can be a devasting blow for some or an amazing opportunity for others. 

I share 6 positive ways to manage negative feedback at work so you can transform all feedback into a valuable learning opportunity. 

If you have worked hard, getting negative feedback from your manager or getting negative feedback from a colleague can be a painful blow. It hurts. 

Don’t assume the worst. Most managers make negative comments at work to correct or improve what you are doing rather than to try to put you down. 

Learning how to deal with negative feedback at work in a constructive and positive way will help your confidence and how quickly you learn and thus improve. 

When you are dealing with negative feedback at work ask clarifying questions. Ask questions until you understand why the negative comments have been made and what you can do to ensure positive comments next time. Don’t assume that managers or colleagues will give you great useful feedback from the start. Ask questions.

When you have to deal with negative comments at work made to try to put you down, asking clarifying questions can be a great and professional way to counter it and reduce these comments. 

A key part of how to accept feedback from your boss or anyone is to be appreciative of the feedback. Thank them for taking the time to give you feedback even if you don’t agree with the feedback. This ensures you will carry on getting feedback which is a massive help to you. 

When you respond to negative feedback always think – “What can I learn from this?” This is a great way to stay mentally positive and turn negative feedback into a useful learning opportunity. 

A great way to manage negative feedback at work is to take positive action following receiving negative feedback. This helps you and demonstrates that you will make changes following receiving negative feedback. 

Finally, ask for feedback regularly, particularly if you are a manager. The more senior you get, the less useful feedback you get so make the effort to try to get as much as possible. 

Jess
Enhance.training