Performance Review Templates (Page 28 of 35) in pdf

Performance Review Templates Page 28

BUT CAN I TAKE IT?

If you are on the receiving end of criticism here are further suggestions.

1. Don’t Catastrophize. When you’re being criticized, it doesn’t help to catastrophize by saying to

yourself or to other people, “Oh, this is the end of my career!” or, “I'll never be able to show my face in

this place again!”

2. Don’t Become Obsessed by the Criticism. It won’t help to bemoan the fact you didn’t do it right

the first time. Since you didn’t do what you could have done, all you can do now is learn from the past

and vow to do better in the future. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes.

3. Use Positive Self-Talk. Use this experience as an opportunity for growth or to gain a new

perspective. Tell yourself that there may be at least a grain of truth in the criticism, and that while you

may be able to learn from the experience, you are not a bad or worthless person because of your

actions.

4. Count to Ten. If you feel anger welling up inside, “count to ten” before you respond. Give yourself

time to sort out your feelings---tell the other person that you would like to think about what they said

before you respond. If the person who is criticizing you seems to be getting carried away, ask them to

take a moment so they might state their complaint more clearly.

5. Seek Out Support. Reach out to family, friends, or other caring persons. Allow your support to

buoy you up and help you sort out your feelings. Friends can help you recognize that this not the end

of the world.

6. Acknowledge Truth. After you have had time to think things through and talk out your feelings

with friends, you may realize that there was some truth to the criticism. If so, openly acknowledge it

and talk with the other person about how you can make changes in the future. If, after examining the

criticism you believe it is not accurate or unjust, communicate that and allow room for further

discussion.

7. Recognize That Time Heals. This experience will lose its sting as other events and happenings

come into play. Recognize this and carry on with your day-to-day activities.

References: Health Notes, Wisconsin Clearinghouse "The Power of Criticism" by Roger T.

Williams 4903N ****

Performance Review Templates Page 28