No one likes to be criticised. But as a young professional, you will experience the barbs of negative feedback in both your personal as well as professional life.
Are you emotionally equipped to deal with it?
Take this quiz and evaluate your maturity when it comes to dealing with criticism.
And be honest!
This quiz is best viewed in Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape above version 6.0.
1. How do you feel when someone criticises your work? Your self-esteem plummets and you find it difficult to concentrate thereafter. You see red and explode! You see whether the criticism is valid.
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is You see whether the criticism is valid. Constructive criticism is good for you, because it paves the way for self-improvement as well as better performance on the job. So don't take it personally. First, establish whether the criticism is really valid. If yes, accept it graciously and strive hard not to repeat the same errors again. It's all about self-improvement!
Right! Constructive criticism is good for you, because it paves the way for self-improvement as well as a better performance on the job. So don't take it personally. First, establish whether the criticism is really valid. If yes, accept it graciously and strive hard not to repeat the same errors again. It's all about self-improvement!
2. During appraisal time, your boss shares some negative feedback. You launch into a barrage of excuses. You request for concrete feedback, so you can evaluate your performance. You take his word at face value and keep apologising profusely.
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is You request for concrete feedback, so you can evaluate your performance. . The appraisal is meant to benefit you, so don't get defensive or blindly affirm everything your boss says. Dissect at length the issues, invite suggestions from your boss on how to deal with your shortcomings. And assure your boss that you will strive hard to perform better.
Right! The appraisal is meant to benefit you, so don't get defensive or blindly affirm everything your boss says. Dissect at length the issues, invite suggestions from your boss on how to deal with your shortcomings. And assure your boss that you will strive hard to perform better.
3. Do you ask your superiors for feedback? Never. I'm too scared of what they might say. Nope, my work is perfect! Yes, every once in a while.
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is: Yes, every once in a while. Perfect, scared or not, there are many plusses to actively seeking feedback. For one, you build up a comfortable rapport with your superiors. Two, speculating about your boss's impression of your work is emotionally exhausting. Three, you will be able to keep track of your performance and grow faster.
Right! Perfect, scared or not, there are many plusses to actively seeking feedback. For one, you build up a comfortable rapport with your superiors. Two, speculating about your boss's impression of your work is emotionally exhausting. Three, you will be able to keep track of your performance and grow faster.
4. Your romantic partner hurls an accusation at you. You: Start targeting his or her failings. Ask them to state instances when your behaviour was offensive. Threaten to break up!
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is:You ask them to state instances when your behaviour was offensive. The lure of the blame game is tempting. And, of course, you could opt to break up. Is that what you really want? A relationship is a dialogue, not a monologue, and hearing your partner's criticism is a sign of trust. So be open to communication from your partner and make the effort to explain your side of the story. Make love, not war!
Right! The lure of the blame game is tempting. And, of course, you could opt to break up. Is that what you really want? A relationship is a dialogue, not a monologue, and hearing your partner's criticism is a sign of trust. So be open to communication from your partner and make the effort to explain your side of the story. Make love, not war!
5. When you get constructive criticism, what action do you take? You admit your mistakes and try your best not to repeat the error. You admit your mistakes, but usually forget to take action. You never admit your mistakes. How dare anyone criticise you?
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is:You admit your mistakes and try your best not to repeat the error. Different people react to criticism differently. But an escapist or casual reaction can hamper progress and damage your prospects in the long run. Admitting your mistakes is the first step, and making a conscious effort to improve is the next. Equipped with this attitude and action plan, you will get ahead in your personal and professional endeavours, a whole lot faster. Good luck!
Right! Different people react to criticism differently. But an escapist or casual reaction can hamper progress and damage your prospects in the long run. Admitting your mistakes is the first step, and making a conscious effort to improve is the next. Equipped with this attitude and action plan, you will get ahead in your personal and professional endeavours, a whole lot faster. Good luck!
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