What are the best ways to handle constructive criticism without getting defensive?

Constructive criticism is an essential part of any professional development, especially in the field of telecommunications systems. Whether you are designing, installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting complex networks, you need to learn from your mistakes and improve your skills. However, receiving feedback can also be challenging, especially if you feel attacked, misunderstood, or demotivated. How can you handle constructive criticism without getting defensive and use it to your advantage? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Acknowledge your emotions

The first step to handle constructive criticism is to acknowledge your emotions. You may feel hurt, angry, frustrated, or embarrassed when someone points out your flaws or suggests areas for improvement. These are natural reactions, but they can cloud your judgment and prevent you from listening objectively. Instead of suppressing or denying your emotions, acknowledge them and give yourself some time to process them. You can take a deep breath, ask for a break, or write down your feelings. This will help you calm down and prepare yourself for the next step.

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Sean Krause

Prototype System Administrator @ Leidos | Security Administration | RedHat Linux | Windows
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I think constructive criticism can really change your understanding and perspectives. In my personal experience my emotions use to really cause conflicts when taking in criticism in general. Once I changed my approach, which was taking that moment to reflect and applying emotions that positively reflected from that information did I become more improved. Itâ€™s okay to still feel negative emotions such as anger, embarrassment, or even be offended. Those emotions are unavoidable like the rest, but outside the negative aspect theyâ€™re also learning opportunities. Instead of having something develop into â€œthis hurt me personallyâ€, you can now say â€œIâ€™ve learned this is offensive towards me, how can I try to avoid this later onâ€.

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2 Listen actively

The second step to handle constructive criticism is to listen actively. This means paying attention to what the other person is saying, without interrupting, arguing, or making excuses. Try to understand their perspective, their intentions, and their expectations. Ask questions if you need clarification, examples, or suggestions. Repeat back what you heard to confirm your understanding and show your interest. Listening actively will help you gain valuable insights, build trust, and show respect.

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Fernando Prado

IT Manager | Cybersecurity | Digital Technologies
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The main challenge here is HOW to develop the skills with someone who has no ability of listening at all. I believe that the easiest way is to provide feedbacks based on examples and situations that actually happened. 3rd-party feedbacks may be very helpful to corroborate with what must be said. Also, it is important to provide feedbacks using concrete situations, and take the opportunity to do it as soon as possible to the fact.

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Edenson Villalba

Data Manager en ClÃnica FOSCAL
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Antes de responder, escucha cuidadosamente lo que se estÃ¡ diciendo. AsegÃºrate de comprender completamente la crÃtica antes de formular una respuesta.

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3 Evaluate the feedback

The third step to handle constructive criticism is to evaluate the feedback. This means analyzing the content, the source, and the context of the feedback. Not all feedback is equally valid, relevant, or helpful. Some feedback may be based on facts, data, or standards, while some may be based on opinions, preferences, or biases. Some feedback may come from experts, mentors, or peers, while some may come from customers, users, or stakeholders. Some feedback may be timely, specific, or actionable, while some may be vague, outdated, or unrealistic. You need to evaluate the feedback critically and decide what to accept, reject, or modify.

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Edenson Villalba

Data Manager en ClÃnica FOSCAL
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TÃ³mate un momento para procesar la crÃtica antes de responder. No reacciones de manera impulsiva, ya que esto puede llevarte a poner a la defensiva.

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4 Respond positively

The fourth step to handle constructive criticism is to respond positively. This means expressing your appreciation, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to improve. You can thank the person for their feedback, acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and share your action plan. You can also ask for support, guidance, or resources if you need them. Responding positively will help you demonstrate your professionalism, your growth mindset, and your confidence.

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5 Implement the changes

The fifth step to handle constructive criticism is to implement the changes. This means applying the feedback to your work, your skills, or your behavior. You can set goals, track your progress, and measure your results. You can also seek feedback again, compare your performance, and celebrate your achievements. Implementing the changes will help you enhance your quality, your efficiency, and your satisfaction.

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6 Learn from the experience

The sixth and final step to handle constructive criticism is to learn from the experience. This means reflecting on what you learned, what you improved, and what you can do better. You can also identify what triggers your defensiveness, what helps you cope, and what motivates you. Learning from the experience will help you develop your resilience, your adaptability, and your potential.

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Edenson Villalba

Data Manager en ClÃnica FOSCAL
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Separar la crÃtica de tu identidad personal puede ser desafiante, pero es esencial. No te tomes la crÃtica como un ataque personal; en lugar de eso, mÃrala como una oportunidad para crecer profesionalmente.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Abdul Rehman Hanjra

Assistant Manager, Product Development
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I recommended objectively reflecting on criticism: Which involves stepping back from personal emotions and analyzing the feedback in a detached manner. Focus on the specific points raised, evaluate whether they have merit, and consider how they align with your goals or standards. Look at the feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than as a personal attack.

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Directory

What are the best ways to handle constructive criticism without getting defensive?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Acknowledge your emotions

2 Listen actively

3 Evaluate the feedback

4 Respond positively

5 Implement the changes

6 Learn from the experience

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Telecommunications Systems

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Directory

What are the best ways to handle constructive criticism without getting defensive?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge your emotions

2 Listen actively

3 Evaluate the feedback

4 Respond positively

5 Implement the changes

6 Learn from the experience

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Telecommunications Systems

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