What do you do if you receive critical feedback on your work?

1 Listen actively

The first thing to do when you receive critical feedback is to listen actively and attentively to what the person giving the feedback is saying. Don't interrupt, argue, or get defensive. Try to understand their perspective, their expectations, and their intentions. Ask clarifying questions if you need to, and repeat back what you heard to confirm your understanding. Listening actively shows that you respect the feedback giver and that you are open to learning from them.

2 Express appreciation

The second thing to do when you receive critical feedback is to express appreciation and gratitude for the feedback. Even if you don't agree with the feedback or find it harsh, you can still acknowledge the effort and time that the person giving the feedback invested in your work. You can also thank them for their honesty, their insight, and their support. Expressing appreciation shows that you value the feedback and that you are willing to consider it.

3 Evaluate the feedback

The third thing to do when you receive critical feedback is to evaluate the feedback objectively and critically. Don't take the feedback personally or let it affect your self-esteem. Instead, focus on the content and the context of the feedback. Ask yourself: Is the feedback relevant, accurate, specific, and constructive? Is the feedback based on facts, observations, or opinions? Is the feedback aligned with your goals, standards, and expectations? Is the feedback helpful, actionable, and realistic? Evaluating the feedback helps you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your work and to decide what to do next.

4 Respond appropriately

The fourth thing to do when you receive critical feedback is to respond appropriately and respectfully to the feedback giver. Don't ignore, dismiss, or reject the feedback. Don't make excuses, blame others, or justify your mistakes. Don't react emotionally, aggressively, or defensively. Instead, be calm, polite, and professional. Share your perspective, your rationale, and your evidence. Explain your challenges, your limitations, and your constraints. Ask for suggestions, guidance, and support. Responding appropriately shows that you are confident, humble, and collaborative.

5 Implement the feedback

The fifth thing to do when you receive critical feedback is to implement the feedback effectively and efficiently. Don't procrastinate, delay, or avoid the feedback. Don't repeat the same errors, overlook the same issues, or neglect the same areas. Don't make superficial, cosmetic, or partial changes. Instead, be proactive, diligent, and thorough. Follow the feedback, address the gaps, and improve your work. Seek feedback again, monitor your progress, and celebrate your achievements. Implementing the feedback shows that you are committed, motivated, and adaptable.

6 Learn from the feedback

The sixth thing to do when you receive critical feedback is to learn from the feedback continuously and consistently. Don't forget, ignore, or discard the feedback. Don't limit, restrict, or confine your learning. Don't stop, stagnate, or regress in your learning. Instead, remember, reflect, and apply the feedback. Expand, diversify, and deepen your learning. Continue, advance, and excel in your learning. Learning from the feedback shows that you are curious, growth-oriented, and resilient.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?