"Constructive Criticism"

How to Accept Constructive Criticism              One of the hardest things to take, especially when we first enter the professional world, is how to accept "constructive criticism." How we advance in our professional lives depends on our ability to accept and incorporate feedback.  We need to take guff in order to give guff.             It's not easy. None of us likes to be reminded by others that we are not perfect. Even when you call it "constructive" to sound nice, the word "criticism" still sticks.  The worst part? Sometimes it comes from people we don't like.  Or at least we don't like them after we get their feedback. Don't take it personally or begrudge the person who gave it. Hear the person out, without interrupting with excuses or self-defense. Work on your flaws. Aim higher by breaking bad habits and raising your standards. If the criticism is warranted and you did work to overcome it, thank the person who brought it to your attention. If you are serious about advancement, ask for feedback: "How was my presentation received?  Do you have any suggestions for improvement in my content or delivery?" "I am interested in a management position.  What things do I need to work on to get there?"                           What you know will help you grow The Etiquette Tip of the Week may be forwarded to others who really, really need it, pinned to billboards, taped to the water cooler, blogged, Tweeted or used to fill that last little hole in your newsletter.  Giving credit to the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/ is the polite thing to do. The Culture and Manners Institute is all about respect.  Therefore, your email address will not be sold, traded or gifted to other parties, as that would not be a polite thing to do. If you would like to be removed from this list, simply type the words, "Please Remove" in the subject line and hit Reply.

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