How do you handle work-place criticism?

Numerous workers receive criticism from either their bosses or even colleagues on a daily basis. Interestingly, some workers think criticism makes a person better and also changes one. On the other hand, other people see criticism as destructive and totally unacceptable.The capacity to handle work-place criticism depends on each individual. As a person, how do […]

Numerous workers receive criticism from either their bosses or even colleagues on a daily basis. Interestingly, some workers think criticism makes a person better and also changes one. On the other hand, other people see criticism as destructive and totally unacceptable.
The capacity to handle work-place criticism depends on each individual. As a person, how do you handle work-place criticism? We spoke to a couple of people to find out how they cope with criticism in the office.
Toyin Ahmadu, a banker said: “Personally, I don’t think criticism is in anyway bad, I always appreciate criticism because it moves me forward and I listen and keep it professional. Most of the time when my boss asks me to do something for him and I think I have done a perfect job, he goes ahead to list all the things I need to improve upon and in most cases I have to start the work all over again. Nevertheless, I don’t get upset or discouraged because constructive criticism is a key part of my job and it makes me do my job well. For me, criticism comes from someone who genuinely wants to help you progress in your job.”
Solomon Saraki, a motor mechanic, opines that: “I handle criticism in a mature way and I don’t take it personal at all. I know it is difficult to deal with criticism and it hurts sometimes. However, in most cases, the criticism isn’t directed at you as a person. You are at work and constructive criticism generally comes with the territory. I am used to receiving criticism. In fact, when I first started my job I was criticised by my boss virtually everyday I was at work. Although I knew I was putting in my all and I tried my best to see that I was learning really fast, my boss seemed not to be impressed. Each time I was given a car to fix and when I was done, he would find a way to criticise my work and make me feel bad. Yet, that didn’t kill my spirit even once. I said to myself that if I try harder, one day I will eventually get there.”
Saraki added that: “I went to the mechanic workshop with three of my friends but after two weeks, they left as they couldn’t handle our boss’s criticism. I was the only one that stayed and excelled. Today, my boss says he is proud of me and says I am one of the best among his boys. I am where I am today because of critics, I am glad I never took it personal or gave up along the line.”
Aisha Tanimu, a civil servant states that: “Criticism is bound to happen in every work place. For me, sometimes the best course of action is to simply listen and take some time to digest what has just been said. By responding in that heat of the moment, you may say something you will regret in the future and also it could be potential cause of damage to your career. I have colleagues who are envious of me and they go around criticising everything I do but I never let that bother me. I believe criticism is the main secret behind my success. I pretend I don’t even know they are criticising me because it shows that I am one step ahead of them. I will proudly say I have learned a lot about life based on the criticism I have received ever since I began working.”
Joy Maigari, a lawyer, notes that: “Basically what I do is I try to listen objectively to the criticism being leveled and I assess whether there is any truth to the critique. If someone claims I am always late, never meet deadlines, turn in sloppy work or fail to fully contribute to team projects, I consider whether it is an accurate claim. If it is, I acknowledge my faults and take active steps to resolve deficiencies in my performance.”
Beautician, Farida Aliyu, opines that: “I object calmly to false, negative criticism by backing up my objections with solid evidence. For instance, if someone says the services I render are not good, and the statement is untrue, I ask for a specific instance or person that wasn’t satisfied with my service. Sometimes, people just make assumptions or criticise you just to destroy your job.”
Different people have different opinions and views and therefore one cannot decide which is right and which is wrong. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. While some people feel work criticism is vital, others see it as something bad.
Salisu Aminu, an engineer, says: “I don’t take criticism lightly and I could even hold a grudge against whoever criticises me. In the first place, why would someone sit and criticise something I took my time to do? I don’t see that as something acceptable. In my opinion there shouldn’t be anything like criticism for whatsoever reason. Personally, if I do something and you find fault with  it,  you shouldn’t just go ahead and criticise it because you have no idea how much effort I put in. Rather, advise me in a polite manner, that will work a lot better.  When my workers do something wrong, I don’t criticise them. I know I wouldn’t want to be criticised, therefore I will not criticise them. I just find a soft and polite manner to point out the corrections and I think they appreciate that as well.” Critics play a vital role in work-places as they contribute to the productivity of an organisation. Without criticism, a lot of people wouldn’t have been where they are today.
 “Criticism in the workplace, however, can be necessary and healthy; using the right method of communication and working toward salvaging employee morale can help both retain and improve workplace productivity,” notes Catherine Lovering, in an article, ‘Does workplace gossip and criticism lead to low productivity?’