Criticism at work

It hurts when you work hard on something and then your work or your ideas are not appreciated by your seniors. Criticism can make even the smartest and oldest employees feel frustrated and demotivated. What about youngsters who are so enthusiastic about getting out of college and working in large organizations? What happens when they are constantly criticised about their work?

“It is always about your attitude. If you look at life in a positive light, you can look at criticism also in a positive manner. One can try and improve on his/her weak points. We are humans and we seek love and praise from all. The moment we are criticised we feel angry, hate the person who criticises us and form opinions about that person. We forget that there is always some hidden truth in criticism which one should listen to carefully and try and work towards them. One should try not to be defensive in nature as that can lead to aggression and bitterness”, advices a professor.

There are various types of criticism that one comes across. Sometimes criticism maybe with respect to a particular work that was given to you which has not been done up to a mark and usually at workplaces, criticism maybe unjustified. Sometimes your mentors or guides criticise you for your own good and for you to grow and improve on your work.

“Youngsters who have just joined try and give their best at whatever work they are assigned. They are excited at their new jobs and want to get everything right. At that time if their mentors or seniors criticise them at every step it becomes a bit tough for them. They should learn to take such criticism calmly. At times such criticism is good and can get improvement in ways of working. However, if it is unjustified then one should learn to ignore it and prove yourself by your actions and not by words. One should also learn that there is a difference when your senior criticises you and when they give a frank opinion or feedback. In criticism, we entice the other person towards a defensive mode, which not only reduces the chances of the other person taking in things and improving on it, but results in a strained relation in the long run. However in feedback, we help the other person into discussion and give them the opportunity to improve. It also strengthens relationships and opens avenues for growth”, explains a HR executive.

Nobody likes to be criticised, especially at work in front of your colleagues. But one has to understand that it is a part and parcel of work life. Keep a positive attitude towards negative criticism. Take it in good spirit and try and improve upon your work. Even if the criticism is not objective there might be some truth in it. Learn from criticism whenever you get a chance but try not to turn out like them by criticising others.

- Ekta Bhatnagar (views expressed in the article are that of the author)