Bottom Line, Inc.
Individual Contributor - Participant’s Workbook
You may decide to express your feelings about being accused:
“I’m annoyed by that comment – there’s no truth in it.”
If the criticism is aggressive or a personal attack, an appropriate response would be to state firmly your
objections to the criticism, without apology, and without backing down:
“You’re really tight-fisted!”
“I object, I budget carefully and am proud of the way I handle my finances.”
Sometimes a criticism may catch you off guard. It is perfectly acceptable to use delaying tactics such as
expressing surprise and/or disappointment:
“I’m not sure how to respond to that. I’d like time to think about it for a few minutes.”
“I’m sorry you think that. Could we discuss it when I’ve had a chance to think it through?”
Finally, some DOs and DON’Ts when receiving criticism:
DON’T
− Deny the criticism before considering whether it is valid; you could end up in an “I did,” “You didn’t”
situation.
− Become defensive; by doing so you are implying that the critic may be justified.
− Counter criticize; this will undoubtedly start an argument and/or create bad feelings.
DO
−
−
−
−
Assess the criticism before responding.
Respond to what is being said, not to what you think is being implied.
Choose your response carefully.
Learn to see that criticism of your behavior or performance is not a rejection of you as a person.
GIVING CRITICISM
Criticize the situation, not the person:
“There are several mistakes in your work.”
Rather than
“You are getting really careless.”
Be specific and give examples where possible; avoid generalizations:
“I am concerned about your punctuality. You were late on three occasions last week, and this
morning you were not at your desk until 10:15.”
Rather than
“You’re always late.”
Phrase the criticism positively where possible:
“I feel it would be better if you…”
Rather than
“You didn’t do that very well.”
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