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Speed Dial: 60-Second Marketing Insight Newsletter
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Why Accepting Constructive Criticism and Negative Feedback Can Be So
Hard
Over the past six years I've had two projects where I've had to
tell my clients that despite our exhaustive research, consumers weren't interested in their ideas- -
and the sales they were hoping for probably wouldn't out-do Queen Elizabeth's annual bikini
budget.
Those aren't fun meetings, as you can
imagine.
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Why Accepting Constructive Criticism Can Be Difficult
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When the truth hurts, it's usually because an
individual is:
- Passionately invested in an idea,
- Reluctant to accept the hassle of re-work,
or
- Threatened by a challenge to their
self-image or political
standing.
That's when instinct takes over and people either choose to 'fight' (teeth bared, determined to
charge ahead regardless) or 'flight' (protecting themselves with dismissive comments or
extensive
rationalizations).
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Either of these reactions to negative feedback are completely natural.
I've been there. You've been there. But when we receive an objective opinion that runs contrary to our
original plans, we should first step back, give ourselves some space, assess the situation with a
renewed perspective, and then decide whether acceptive constructive criticism is in our best
interests.
Tips for Accepting Constructive Criticism and Handling Negative
Feedback More Effectively
Here are two quick tips to help in accepting constructive
criticism & processing negative feedback:
1) Consider the Source.
Does the bad news come from someone with an alternative agenda or is it truly objective?
Let's return to my original example. As a marketing strategy consultant, my mission is to determine how my client
can succeed, and I do that by wrestling with an opportunity until it's utterly exhausted. It's in
my best interest to get highly-visible successes like Hormel Natural Choice & Colgate Sparkling White to
market.
So when it comes to accepting constructive criticism, it makes sense to listen to someone with air-tight
research who knows that this bad news could cost them future business with you & others; examining
the motives of the person delivering the negative feedback can help you assess its
viability.
2) Explore Options.
In most cases, bad news is delivered with a qualifier-- your plan can work if
something is modified (usually your expectations or the amount of resources required).
How much are you willing to compromise- - and will the results still be worth it? Should you decide NOT to
compromise & proceed with your original idea, how much damage could you be risking to your reputation,
your department, & your
organization?
Accepting constructive criticism isn't easy. If you ultimately decide to change course after evaluating negative
feedback, try not to be discouraged. People who think boldly & identify breakthrough ideas- - even when they
don't come to fruition- - can expect good things just around the
bend.
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