How to Handle Criticism in the Workplace Like a Pro

How to Handle Criticism in the Workplace Like a Pro

How do you take criticism?  A lot of people do not know how to answer this question, most don’t even know if they can handle criticism at all. Criticism can come at any time and most of the time it happens in school, on news, in a cooking contest, and most especially in the workplace. Most people do not know how to handle criticism in the workplace and this can be detrimental to them and also their job.

While criticism can be taken as hurtful and demoralizing, it can also be viewed positively. Knowing how to handle criticism in the workplace is very important. Another thing is that people do not know how to handle criticism from the boss and this is not good. Your boss has certain expectations you have to meet in the company. So you not handling criticism well can be to both you and the company’s disadvantage.

Criticisms are sometimes honesty and can help us do better. To know how to handle criticism at the workplace and also handle criticism from your boss, you should read this article.

10 Ways You Can Gracefully Handle Criticism In The Workplace

 1. Stop Your First Reaction

Before you lash back or have a comeback talk with someone who is criticizing you, take a minute before reacting at all. Sometimes it’s best to lay back and listen. If you need to respond, take a deep breath, and give it a little thought.

The truth is that a lot of people are in this group. People get defensive and make excuses about things that don’t need too much talk on. Do not get defensive and start making excuses, sometimes it’s best just to listen and think of your next words before saying anything.

To do this, you need to learn how to effectively control your emotions.

2. Thanking The Critic Is A Good Way to Handle Criticism at The Workplace

You might think that this point does not make sense and I get why, but you need to know that even if someone is harsh and rude, thank them. Your attitude of gratitude will probably catch them off-guard.

You also need to understand that being thankful does not make you look silly or a laughing stock. In the actual sense, it makes you the bigger person and mature! This act shows that you are immune to negative talks and you do know how to handle criticism well. Most of the time it could even be your boss who gives the harsh criticism and saying a ‘thank you will catch them off-guard.

3. Give The Person A Chance to Talk Without Interrupting

When trying to handle criticism, you should let the person criticizing you have the time to talk to you. You don’t have to interrupt them or try to defend yourself. Ask the person to explain further and expatiate on their feedback.

If you do this, you are not only giving the person a chance to talk but you are also understanding where you would have gone wrong.

Also, you will be noticing your flaws which you would have to work on later.

4. Remain Calm And Don’t Take It Personal

People tend to take criticisms to heart a lot. This can be a problem for people at work because they won’t be effective as they should if they take things personally.

To not take criticisms personally, you should let yourself know that, not all criticisms are meant to be helpful and also hurtful. You should always try to look for the positive in every criticism because it lightens up your mood and makes you effective at work.

5. Take It as A Way To Become Less Sensitive

This point is similar to that of the first point. Here, you have to challenge yourself to control your emotions and avoid overreacting.

By challenging yourself not to overreact, you get to realize that it is not everything you should blow up for. By being too sensitive, you easily get triggered and this act won’t help you last at your workplace.

So taking criticisms in the workplace will help you handle it more gracefully and also will help you tolerate and be more effective at your workplace.

6. Give Yourself Some Grace

You need to understand that everyone makes mistakes, and no one knows everything. No matter how good you are at your job and how much experience you have, there is always more to learn.

Learn to give yourself some credit by giving a pat on your shoulder, even if no one else does. You deserve it. You need to understand that criticisms do happen and you need to give yourself some positive inspiration.

7. Remember The Benefits Of Getting Feedback

When taking criticism, you have a few seconds to realize that there are benefits to what your criticizer is telling you. There are benefits of taking constructive criticism at work. Some of them include improving your skills, your relationship with your colleagues, increasing your productivity and helping you meet the expectations of your boss at work.

8. Listening Carefully Is A Good Way To Handle Criticism At The Workplace

When receiving criticism at work, you should listen to understand and not wait to lash out at the person. You may feel like shutting down and not taking into consideration what the other person is saying, but should not be so.

When facing criticism it is relevant to listen and comprehend what the person is trying to say. Try to remain objective and open to their comments and opinions.

9. Avoiding Criticizing Others Back Is Another Way To Handle Criticism At The Workplace

This is also somewhat similar to the first point. You don’t have to criticize just because you were criticized. There was every possibility that the person was just trying to be a good colleague and have your back.

As I stated earlier, you don’t have to take everything you’re told to heart. Don’t take things personally and try to sieve out the good from every criticism.

10. Differentiate Constructive Criticism From Destructive Criticism

Like I’ve mentioned before in the article, sieve out the good comments and ideas from the bad. In every workplace, some managers and colleagues want to see their workers fail. The idea on this point is to know the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism.

The main point here is to know when someone is just being plain rude and arrogant and just trying to get under your skin. Just toughen up and know which constructive critic to go meet that will help you enhance your skills at work.

Bottom Line

The truth is that no one is above criticism and so it is advised to learn how to handle it most especially in the workplace.  If it makes you feel better, Kobe Bryant(RIP) holds the record for missed shots in the NBA.

The famous basketball coach John Wooden called it a mistake to get too caught up in either praise or negative criticism. If you learn to handle and filter all criticisms, you’ll live a happier life and get closer to your goals.  

Check out these quotes that will help you find your purpose in life

How to Stay Happy and Motivated at Work

How to Stay Happy and Motivated at Work

Work can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean happiness can’t be achieved.

Zach Holmquist

I was always glued to this statement made whenever I was off to where I worked as a fashion stylist in a fashion house before my admission into the university. Though the work required much time and attention so as to meet up the deadline, but because I was so compassionate about it, I always try to create an environment of happiness for myself.

With that, I would know I am not robbed of two benefits, which are fat income and happiness. So, therefore, I took some measures which I will be sharing with you today, that have really helped keep me in staying happy at work. 

Before I start with my happiness tips, I will like you to know what it means to be happy

To be happy means allowing yourself not to be unhappy. Being happy also means showing or causing feelings of pleasure and enjoyment, which literally means that you are totally far from being hapless. 

Helpful Tips That Will Help You Stay Happy and Motivated at Work

1. Learn Self Compensation

This is mostly what I  do when I started to feel less motivated on the work at hand. By trying to bribe me with the posit that “if I am able to finish this work effectively and efficiently from this time to this time”, then I would be compensated with a menu. So with this, it kept me happy throughout the work because I know something is waiting for me as a reward. 

You don’t have to wait for compensation from anyone to motivate and make you happy at your workplace, if you know you meet up with your expectation and that of your employer on the job given, then it will be nice to give yourself some incentive. Doing so,  will not only make you happy but also boost your productivity because you have tasks yourself and you know there is something as a reward. In short, promise yourself some reward after work.

This will help in keeping you happy for the rest of the day. 

2. Learn How to Work Out

Early morning exercise at least 30 minutes makes the body energetic, active and fulfilled at work. Because it has been concluded by health practitioners that it helps release the toxins which always leads to weariness and tiredness.

Thus, engaging in early-day exercises like jogging, press up, walking, rope skipping, swimming, and the likes will make you satisfied that your body is all set to combat the work ahead. And therefore, it will leave this sign of happiness on your face even before you get to your place of work. 

3. Smile More Often

When you smile, it leads to the release of dopamine to the brain which gives happiness a chance. A smile does not only have a positive effect on your body but also has more to do in-term of your productivity because a customer who knows you to be the smiling type will never trade that smile with your competitor that has a frown or glower face on.

Always have a reason to wear a smile, whether fake or original. Unless if not smiling, makes you happy. 

4. keep the Pictures of Your Loved Ones on Your Table 

One of the ways to remain happy and excited at work is having the portrait of your loved ones; mostly the one there is a chemistry between you both on your desk. This particular picture will stand in place of her at work. And because you won’t want to disappoint her, you will try as much as possible to work not only effectively, but with a sense of happiness in you. 

But maybe there is no room for a portrait on the desk, try to picture her in your head. This will go a long way. Because, when you see your love you’ll feel happy and excited. Same as when you think about them, your brain will react the same way. 

5. Listen to Your Best Music

This reminds me of when the day is getting boring at my place of work and will want to slow down my pace,  What I usually do is turn on my music. And before I know, the vibe is back. Though at first, I didn’t know how that works for me, until when I went on a visit to my uncle’s office who is a therapist. Coincidently, he was speaking about music as a tool for getting rid of your sad and boring moments. 

However, It was there I was made to know that music helps in the release of dopamine to the brain also as does smile which therefore makes you happy. 

6. Give Yourself Enough Rest 

Be sure to get enough sleep, at least 8 hours on a stretch. This will help in relieving you from weariness, tiredness and help recharge the body’s batteries. So, therefore, making you well recharged and happy the following day.

According to the American Psychological Association, Americans who get more sleep on average tend to be healthier, happier and safer. A lot of people work throughout the day and night. But it will be an advantage for you to know that there is happiness and relief in that sleep you did not count as anything. 

Conclusion

A company with happy employees could increase their sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, which directly contribute toward building a high-performance work environment and improves the quality of life for all people involved with the work.

Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage

In conclusion, happiness altogether is a highly subjective experience. But I will live you with the above quote to ponder. Do tell me what you think in the comments box. If you enjoyed this, you should check out these hacks that will make you very likeable at work.

How to Improve Productivity in The Workplace

How to Improve Productivity in The Workplace

Are you a boss or a manager? If yes, do you get disturbed about how to improve productivity in the workplace to enhance your business growth? Clearly yes! The goal of every business is to achieve maximum profit and attain progressive growth. However, the success of a business irrespective of the years of establishment is influenced by its level of productivity. 

Nonetheless, productivity is attained by deliberate actions. Being productive in the workplace centres on how employees can carry out their assigned duties effectively. Therefore, in this post, we will discuss 10 practical steps on how to improve productivity in the workplace.

10 Ways to Improve Productivity in the Workplace

1. Build a Healthy Working Relationship

As a boss, the relationship between you and your employees contributes to business productivity. Do you treat your employees harshly? Like nagging, giving disrespectful comments, imposing your will, unnecessary deduction of salary, delay in payments, overburdening them with duties, and more.

If you engage in any of such behaviour you should make amends if truly you seek the progress of your business. In contrast, be open to suggestions, treat them with respect, communicate effectively and be simple.

Remember, the happiness of your employees boosts productivity. 

2. Delegate Duties at Workplace

Division of labour makes works easier and faster. Therefore, duties should be divided among employees without bias. To experience high productivity be conscious of how you delegate duties. No employee should be given fewer duties whereas another is overburdened with duties.

Unbalanced delegation of duties disorganizes a business workflow. In addition, division of labour reduces stress.

3. Inculcate Time Management Attitude

Are you time conscious? If yes, how long does it take your employees to finish a task? Effective time management practice enhances productivity. Whereas, spending too much time on a single task decreases productivity. To achieve this, tedious tasks should be carried out first and assigned to more employees for quick accomplishment.

Similarly, working hours should be scheduled with the needful activities. In addition, unnecessary meetings or activities are to be erased from the schedule. There is no need for a staff meeting when the information can be passed across via emails or text messages. 

4. Assign Duties Based on Specialization

There is beauty in diversity. Likewise, productivity is achieved as employees function in their field of expertise, they input their best at work. As a boss delegate duties based on their skills, capacity, and strength.

For instance, a customer relations officer won’t perform exceptionally in the office of an accountant. These employees will get into lots of trouble miscalculating. Perhaps, reduce working speed to avoid errors. However, excellence will be achieved when he is placed in the area of his strength. 

5. Schedule Time for Seminars and Training

One of the responsibilities of a manager is to ensure that his/her business employees advance in terms of skills and knowledge. Therefore, if you’re curious about how to improve productivity in the workplace you need to work on your employees. Our world is continuously changing, likewise the business world. Hence, the knowledge base used 20 years ago wouldn’t be sufficient to produce maximum productivity in this current age.

In essence, your business needs to grow with the trending skills and knowledge. Therefore, seminars and workshops are useful platforms to achieve this. This provides a medium for your employees to learn profitable skills. Their increased knowledge equals productivity.

6. Provide the Right Tools and Equipment

It’s difficult to achieve a result when there aren’t functioning tools to work with. Similarly, substandard equipment will strain your employees. For instance, an organization computing data manually wouldn’t produce an effective result as a company computing data using an excel spreadsheet application.

Working with the right tools boost speed, reduces stress, and produces maximum output.

7. Reward and Appreciate Your Workers

Employees will always give in their best when appreciated. Therefore, don’t hesitate to commend your staff when you observe their excellent performance and output. It motivates them to do better next time and inspires other staff.

Furthermore, don’t stop at commendation, when staff is due for promotion be quick to give that employee the upgrade. Note that no appreciation decreases productivity.

8. Minimize Distraction at Workplace

Productivity is achieved when there is maximum concentration towards the set goal and assignment. Hence, to see your staff work effectively remove every possible source of distraction.

A low distraction policy should be enacted in your company such as no phone calls during working hours, no excess free time, and no discussion while working. These kinds of policies enhance employees concentration at work

9. Create a Conducive Working Environment

Your company location and environment Influence the input of your employees. A harsh working environment burns out productivity and may affect their health. Therefore, as a manager don’t search far to learn how to improve productivity in the workplace. Simply look within.

Little changes like having a conducive working environment can make a difference and enhance productivity. Your working environment shouldn’t be congested, exposed to any form of pollution, having limited cross-ventilation among others, All these inconveniences hinder the productivity of your staff and your business growth.

10. Set Deadlines

Duties assigned with deadlines are quickly done compared to those without deadlines. This is because the deadline makes employees up and doing. Helps them focus more on the set goals. It’s also an effective time-management principle. A company gets to lose potential clients when they fail to meet up deadlines.

Likewise, a company loses productivity when duties are not done with immediate effect.

Conclusion

The longevity and success of a business are influenced by its productivity. Therefore, how to improve productivity in the workplace will require that you skillfully plan your employees working schedules. However, to experience a smooth workflow one or two goals should be set at a time and achieved before stepping higher to accomplish other goals.

Hence, the application of these methods will enhance your worker’s concentration, make them happy with their job and minimize stress. Furthermore, join the discussion in the comment section by sharing your thoughts.