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Criticism Feedback

I don't know how to deal with a manager who is always criticizing my work. Every single day she is telling me that I did this or that wrong, and now whenever I see her, I brace myself for more criticism. What should I do?



On a short term basis, all you can do is brace yourself for more of the same. The irony in this situation is that your manager could be criticized every single day for her criticism of you. As a managerial approach, criticism tends to generate resistance, defensiveness, and dissatisfaction, and does nothing to correct the mistakes at hand. When employees are struggling, effective managers coach, counsel, and teach.

One step that may change her behavior starts with a careful look at your performance. Although it is normal for an employee to make mistakes along the way, if you are actually making key errors every day, you should ask yourself if you are doing everything in your power to be a highly effective employee, such as by taking courses and doing some studying. After all, the best way to reduce your manager's criticism is for you to make fewer errors.

In addition, the next time she criticizes your work, ask her for some specific guidance in order to prevent the problem in the future, and then be sure to incorporate her suggestions and let her know about any positive results. By letting her see that coaching is far more productive than criticizing, you may be able to have a positive impact on her performance as well as yours.



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