Every year around the same time, you get a chance to hear your boss’ perspective, and sometimes, the feedback is not what you want to hear. Sometimes, the feedback can be devastating. How do you learn to accept those crucial pieces of feedback without letting it bother you personally?
The best tip is to look at your position and your job as something that you will always be seeking to perfect. You should view your job as a constant search in the attainment of ‘good to great’ performance. If you begin with an attitude of an employee looking for ways to constantly make your performance better, then crucial feedback becomes a necessary tool rather than an uncomfortable process.
If you can learn to seek out critical feedback throughout the year, then the annual process won’t be as much of a surprise nor be as difficult to handle. When you identify areas needing improvement, seek to make a personal action plan to improve.
A negative attitude is the biggest job killer, so try to deal with the criticism and feedback in a positive way. Sometimes, negative attitudes arise out of stress and being overworked, so evaluate your overall mental well being. If you are run down and tired, take a day off before your scheduled review. Go treat yourself to something fun. Try to re-shape your perspective.
Make a list of accomplishments that you have achieved in the past year. It will be good to have these on hand. Remind your boss what you’ve accomplished. Chances are, they have forgotten. I often forward a self evaluation to my boss prior to my review, whether they have asked for it or not. Work to mold and shape their perspective by helping them to remember your positive performance and achievements.
Lastly, if there are areas that need improvement, ask him/her for quantifiable ways that will allow both of you to know that you have improved. Put some definitive metrics in place so that you both will know if you’ve made progress.
Remember to fake a smile whether you feel it or not and learn to take criticism and feedback in a positive way. It will pay off for you in the job market. You will stand out. Many employees struggle with this. Make a difference by standing out and freely accepting feedback when others are losing opportunities and falling behind.
Bethany Williams is an expert in business development and healthcare operations. She has held high level positions at IDX Systems Corporation, GE Healthcare, Perot Systems Corporation, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Williams shares her stories and helpful tips on career success through her book, Winning Strategies for Women, and a popular motivational blog. She volunteers as a life coach and mentor for employees around the globe through her website and personal one-to-one visits. She currently works as an executive at a big four accounting firm and lives in Dallas with her husband, Michael, and her three children. You can find her on the web at www.bethanywilliams.org.
