APU Careers Careers & Learning

Constructive Criticism — The Secret To Career Improvement

By Lisa Quast, Forbes.com
Special to Online Career Tips

Have you ever asked someone you trusted, respected or admired for his or her feedback and constructive criticism about your work performance? If not, consider giving it a try. While it can sometimes be a terrifying experience (when isn’t asking for improvement suggestions terrifying?), it just might change your career (and your life!).

Many years ago, I managed a global integration project that, once completed, would yield a new Vice President of Marketing position — a job I really wanted. During dinner after an integration meeting, I ended up seated next to the CEO of the division. By dessert, I had worked up the courage to tell him I was interested in “throwing my hat in the ring” for the VP of Marketing position when it became available and I asked if he thought I could do the job.

After scratching his chin for a while he replied with something I wasn’t expecting. He said, “No, at this time, I don’t think you’d be able to do that job.”

My heart felt like it sank all the way to my feet. After picking myself up emotionally off the floor, I replied, “Tell me about that. I’d like to understand why you feel that way.”

I didn’t become defensive. I didn’t become angry. I merely sought to understand his reasoning behind the comment. He told me there were three areas in which he didn’t think I could do the job, and then explained each of the areas. I quickly realized his perception of me didn’t accurately portray my skills and experience in two of those areas (although he had a good point about the third item).

So I asked, “If I can prove my expertise in the first two areas and show you a plan to become an expert in the third area over the next 12 months, would you support me then?”

Thankfully, his answer was “Yes.” Over the next 12 months I demonstrated my skills and expertise in the areas he had questioned. I also created a plan of action for the third area, reviewed it with him for his feedback and then worked my way through every single item. When the Vice President of Marketing position was eventually created and posted, I applied for the job and went through the rigorous interview process. And guess what? I earned the job.

Without his constructive criticism, it’s doubtful I would have obtained the position. I also probably would not have learned this valuable lesson: My perception of myself might not always match the perception others hold of me — and that the only way to find out is by asking others for feedback. It was then that I realized perception (other people’s perceptions, that is) often does equal reality.

Asking for constructive criticism can change your career (and your life) because once you have the feedback, you can use it to improve yourself or work to change the perception of others. Here are some helpful hints to obtain feedback:

  • Begin by choosing people whose opinions you value.
  • Speak with each person confidentially and explain what you are doing. Ask if they would be willing to meet with you to provide feedback. Not everyone will be comfortable providing this kind of information and it’s important you respect their decision if they decide not to participate.
  • Schedule a mutually acceptable time and private location for the discussion. Be sure to choose a place where both of you are comfortable.
  • Be prepared to ask them questions as well as follow-up questions to clarify any answers you don’t understand.
  • Don’t get defensive or try to justify any past behavior. Listen to what they have to say even if their comments bruise your ego.

Obtaining constructive criticism can be a powerful exercise. For some, it may confirm the perceptions they already had of themselves. Others will find it to be an eye-opening experience. For the most part, you’ll find that people feel flattered to be a part of your proactive personal development.

Does obtaining feedback and constructive criticism really work? For me, it’s provided an opportunity to learn things about myself I didn’t always know. The feedback also allowed me to adjust certain behaviors so I could positively impact the perception of others. What’s not to love about that?

~ Lisa Quast

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