Hopefully, most of the feedback you receive will be constructive and useful. Occasionally, though, you may feel that you are on the receiving end of unjustified criticism which attacks you on a personal level. If this happens it is important to:

• Keep your temper
• Stand up for yourself

And respond in calm, professional manner.

For example:

Criticism: You are really over the top sometimes at meetings with clients.

You: I object to being labeled as over the top. I take care to project a warm and friendly attitude to our clients and I think it is important to make people feel comfortable.

Criticism: You have been reckless with your budget

You: I object to being labeled as reckless. I have been extremely careful with every item of expenditure, and I have approved nothing that I can’t justify.

When the criticism is both totally unexpected and unjustified, use delaying tactics to help give both you and the other person time out to consider the situation.

For example:

Criticism: I never see you in the office these days – you are always driving off to see some client or the other in the sports car of yours.

You: I am sorry you think that. I would like to take a few minutes to think about those comments

Criticism: I sometimes wonder if you know how to deal with the people on your team

You: I am very surprised that you should say that. Can we discuss this later, when I have had a chance to think your comments through?


Receiving criticism

• Don’t jump in and deny the criticism, without considering for a moment, whether or not it might be true
• Don’t become angry and defensive
• Don’t immediately respond with criticisms of your own
• Do keep calm
• Do pause, and think about what has been said
• Do choose your words carefully
• Do use delaying tactics, if you think that is appropriate

Excerpts from The University of Leicester Diploma in Management – Resource Development International (RDI) Jamaica. www.rdijamaica.com