We all know that getting positive feedback feels great. But when you get negative feedback, it can feel a bit awkward.

Sometimes, words directed at you can be overwhelming and get the better of you. In reality, most interactions aren't as personal as they appear.

When you master the skill of not taking things personally at work, it helps you make better decisions and appear more in control. As a result, you come across as more confident, while also knowing how best to respond.

To master this skill, let’s first understand why you may take things personally.

Because you care

• You care about being vulnerable in front of people.

• You care about what others think of you.

• You care about not being enough.

Because you care, you pour your heart and soul into achieving your goals. As a result, it becomes difficult to acknowledge your weaknesses.

Now that you understand why it happens, let's shift our focus ways how we can be aware - only by being aware can you hope to gain control of your emotions.

How to Know If You’re Taking Things Personally

Remember: It's normal to feel uneasy when you get negative feedback.

Most people generally set overly high expectations then lose motivation.

So when working on self-improvement, avoid immediately labeling yourself a failure after a few mistakes. Making mistakes is part of the learning process.

Everybody starts somewhere, even the pros.

Now that you know how to be aware, let’s work on how you can deal with feedback.

How to Deal with Feedback

Avoid reacting immediately. Feedback can trigger a fight-or-flight response. Pause before responding by taking a deep breath, and resist the urge to react or argue.

Remind yourself that constructive criticism is aimed at helping you improve. Even if the feedback catches you off guard, try to remember it’s given with good intentions.

Listen to understand, not to respond. When receiving feedback, focus on understanding the message. Sometimes you can interpret the tone wrongly. Keep in mind that the person is trying to assist you.

Connect the feedback to your role, not yourself. Feedback can feel personal, but in a work environment, it’s typically related to your role. Constructive feedback is meant to help you grow professionally, not criticize who you are.

Finally, show appreciation for the feedback. Offering constructive criticism isn’t easy, so thank the person for taking the time and effort to help you improve.

You can also ask questions to understand the situation. Don’t dispute the feedback. If you’re not ready to ask questions, set up a follow-up conversation.

By becoming aware, you gain control over your emotions, which helps you accept constructive feedback and focus on being your best self.

That’s it for this week, folks. See you next Tuesday!

Ciao!