Here's how you can handle overly critical or harsh feedback.
Handling overly critical or harsh feedback is never easy, especially when you're dedicated to your work. As a program manager, your role often involves receiving input from various stakeholders, which can sometimes be less than constructive. It's crucial to approach this feedback with a strategy that maintains your professionalism and composure while also considering the potential value in even the harshest critiques. Remember, feedback, when managed well, can be a powerful tool for personal growth and project improvement. The key is to sift through the noise, extract actionable insights, and maintain a positive trajectory in your program management career.
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Shubham Badkur JainData-Driven Operations Manager | Agile, Communication, Project Management | I Help Organizations Streamline Processes &…
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Pradeep DubeyGeneral Manager, Top Voice in Agile Methodologies, Account/Delivery Management, Low Code, OutSystems, SME-Vendor…
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Swapnil RanjanData, Web and Business Analytics | Business Intelligence | Consulting | Strategy | Program & Product Management
When faced with harsh criticism, your first instinct might be to react defensively. However, it's important to stay calm and composed. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to process the feedback without immediately responding. This pause can prevent an emotional reaction and give you time to consider the critique objectively. Remember that feedback is often about the work, not you personally, and separating the two can help you address the issue constructively.
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8 years in Program Management, across industries, have taught me valuable lessons on handling harsh feedback. Here's my approach Stay Calm & Listen: I take a deep breath and actively listen without interrupting. Demonstrating composure shows respect and allows me to understand the feedback fully Separate Tone from Content: Harsh delivery doesn't negate valuable points. I focus on the actual criticism to identify areas for improvement Clarify & Acknowledge: I paraphrase the feedback to ensure understanding & acknowledge the frustration behind it, fostering a more collaborative environment Seek Solutions, Not Blame: Shift the focus to finding solutions, asking "What can we do to improve moving forward?" This promotes a problem-solving mindset
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Handling overly critical or harsh feedback as a program manager requires maintaining composure and professionalism. Listen actively to understand the specific concerns and seek constructive points amidst the criticism. For example, if a stakeholder expresses dissatisfaction with project timelines, acknowledge their frustration and discuss potential adjustments. Seek clarification to understand the root of the issue, ensuring all perspectives are considered. Respond diplomatically, outlining steps to address concerns and improve moving forward. Follow up to demonstrate responsiveness and commitment to resolving issues, fostering a collaborative and constructive environment.
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Focusing on understanding the feedback fully without interrupting or becoming defensive. Asking for specific examples or clarification to better understand the criticism.
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Stay calm and listen fully. Seek to understand the perspective behind the criticism. Ask clarifying questions if needed. Reflect on any valid points to improve. Remember, feedback is not a personal attack. Use it as a growth opportunity. If criticism is unfounded or harsh, diplomatically express how it makes you feel and ask for more constructive feedback. Stay professional and focused on learning and improvement.
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The first step in handling overly critical feedback is to remain calm. It’s natural to feel defensive or upset, but reacting emotionally can escalate the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on listening to the feedback without interrupting. This helps you maintain control and shows that you are open to constructive criticism.
Once you've taken a moment to calm down, reflect on the feedback honestly. Ask yourself if there is any truth to the criticism and how it can be used to improve your work or management style. Self-reflection is a valuable skill in program management, as it allows you to identify areas for professional development. Be open to the idea that even overly critical feedback can have a kernel of insight worth exploring.
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After receiving the feedback, take some time to reflect on it honestly. Assess whether there is any truth to the points raised, even if the delivery was harsh. This step is crucial for personal and professional growth. By objectively evaluating the feedback, you can identify areas for improvement that you may not have previously considered.
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Reflect on the feedback objectively and honestly. After receiving harsh feedback, I took some time to reflect on the points raised. I asked myself whether there was any truth to the feedback and how I could use it to improve. Honest self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth.
If the feedback is unclear or seems unfounded, don't hesitate to seek clarification. Politely ask for specific examples or further explanation to understand the critique better. This shows that you're willing to engage with the feedback and are committed to improvement. It also helps to ensure that you're responding to the actual issues raised rather than your interpretation of them.
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If any part of the feedback is unclear or seems unfounded, seek clarification. Ask specific questions to understand the critic's perspective better. This can help you distinguish between constructive criticism and feedback that may be more emotional or subjective. Clarifying also shows that you are committed to understanding and improving.
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If the feedback is unclear or seems unfair, seek clarification. I once received feedback that felt overly harsh and vague. I politely asked for specific examples and details to better understand the concerns. Seeking clarification helps you gain a clearer perspective and address the issues more effectively.
After understanding the feedback, decide how to use it constructively. Determine if changes need to be made and develop a plan to implement them. Not all feedback will be useful, but when it is, it can be an invaluable tool for enhancing your program's success. Remember, the goal is continuous improvement, and even negative feedback can contribute to that process if handled correctly.
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Turn the feedback into actionable steps for improvement. Identify specific changes you can make based on the constructive elements of the criticism. Develop a plan to address these areas and set measurable goals to track your progress. Using the feedback proactively demonstrates resilience and a commitment to growth.
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Utilize the feedback constructively to improve your performance. In my experience, even harsh feedback can contain valuable insights. I focused on actionable points and developed a plan to address them. By using the feedback to enhance your skills and performance, you demonstrate resilience and a commitment to growth.
No matter how unjust or harsh feedback may seem, always maintain professionalism in your response. Thank the person for their input and express your commitment to considering their perspective. By responding courteously, you uphold your reputation as a competent program manager and set a positive example for your team. Professionalism in the face of criticism demonstrates leadership and resilience.
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Throughout the process, maintain professionalism. Responding to harsh feedback with grace can enhance your reputation and demonstrate your maturity. Thank the person for their feedback, regardless of its tone, and express your willingness to improve. This approach can also help defuse any tension and build a more positive working relationship.
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Always maintain professionalism when responding to feedback. I responded to the harsh feedback with gratitude for the input and a commitment to improve. Professionalism ensures that you handle the situation gracefully and maintain positive relationships.
Finally, use harsh feedback as an opportunity to build resilience. Developing a thick skin is part of growing as a program manager. Learn not to take criticism personally and instead view it as a chance to strengthen your skills and character. Over time, you'll find that you can handle feedback with increasing grace and effectiveness, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones for success.
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Easier said to develop think skin but in reality it is takes a lot to develop it. It takes the skill to hear and not to hear at the same it. It’s a combination of developing empathy and discounting the tone of the critical feedback and at the same time holding on to your nerves and the professional behaviour. Also it is good time is to remember what you are doing to eat for dinner tonight :)
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Overly critical feedback can be tough to handle, but it’s an opportunity to build resilience. Develop coping strategies such as seeking support from trusted colleagues or mentors, engaging in stress-relief activities, and maintaining a positive mindset. Building resilience will help you better handle future criticism and emerge stronger.
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Build resilience to handle criticism more effectively. Over time, I've developed thicker skin by viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. Building resilience helps you remain focused and motivated despite criticism.
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Consider the source and context of the feedback. Sometimes, harsh feedback may stem from external stressors or personal biases of the critic. It’s important to filter the useful information from the irrelevant. Additionally, foster an environment where constructive feedback is the norm. Encourage regular, balanced feedback sessions within your team to build a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect. This proactive approach can reduce the occurrence of overly harsh criticism and promote a more supportive work environment.
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Seek Support: Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors about the feedback. They can provide valuable perspectives and support, helping you process the feedback constructively.
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