How to Take criticism at work

How to Take criticism at work by Amber Rolfe Criticism is never an easy thing to hear… Whether it’s coming from a colleague, manager, client, or during an appraisal, receiving criticism from someone at work can be tough to take. But whilst your immediate reaction might be to express anger, disappointment, or defensiveness â€" none of these things will allow you to actually learn and improve.So to help you take negative feedback gracefully, here’s our guide to how to take criticism at work:  Think before you react Although knee-jerk reactions may work in some situations, this probably isn’t one of them.In fact, if you allow yourself to react before you have time to process what’s been said â€" something as simple as a disappointed facial expression, defensive remark, or ‘subtle’ eye roll could ruin the conversation before it’s even started.Instead, take a second to stop your immediate reaction and remind yourself to stay calm.That way, you’ll minimise distractions and make yourself availa ble to listen to and understand feedback â€" whilst maintaining a good level of professionalism.  Understand its purpose Receiving criticism can be tough; but it’s not for nothing.As long as it’s given fairly and constructively, getting feedback on your performance is essential to your self-development. Not only does it allow you to understand your flaws, it also helps to pinpoint potential areas for improvement.And let’s face it, you’d rather that than have your colleagues and managers turn a blind eye as you churn out mediocre work.So instead of assuming criticism’s sole purpose is to make you feel bad, remember: it’s for your own good. You just have to use it to your advantage.Don’t take it personally When you’re being critiqued, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s important.Whether it’s that you focus on who’s delivering it, you’re caught up in the tone of the conversation, or you’re simply taking every word to heart â€" there are a variety of factor s that could distract you from the key message.But no matter what, it’s vital that you take feedback on in the context it’s given. This means taking some time to focus on what’s being said, rather than who’s saying it or why.So, be objective â€" it might actually make your work better.  Have the right attitude Let’s face it, you’ll never be able to put criticism to good use if you’ve got a bad attitude.So to make sure you’re taking it in the right way â€" show that not only are you grateful for the feedback, you’re also eager to use it to improve. After all, opportunities to get better at your job are always something you should take (especially if you’re looking for a promotion).Additionally, always be open minded with the feedback you’re given. You might think that your way of doing things is the only way, but newsflash â€" that isn’t always the case.  Ask questions You may not agree with every part of the criticism you receive; and that’s OK. As long as you handle it professionally.In other words, you shouldn’t react by telling them they’re wrong and/or flailing your arms about in a rage. But you should ask questions.For example, asking for specific times when your colleague/manager saw these actions is a great way to pinpoint exactly where you’re going wrong. After all, you might not agree there’s a problem until it’s explained in more detail.And, with more information, you’ll be able to share your perspective, understand whether it’s an isolated issue, and seek specific solutions.Say thank you OK, we know what you’re thinking; ‘why should I thank someone for pointing out my flaws?’Well, not only can it be just as difficult to share criticism as it is to hear it, the person giving it to you is also only doing it for your benefit. They could just as easily brush it off and move on, but they’d rather take the time to help you improve.That isn’t to say you need to agree with the criticism completely just ackn owledge that they’ve made the effort to evaluate your performance and share their thoughts with you.  Learn from your mistakes Once you’ve received and processed criticism, it’s time to put it to good use.This means coming up with an action plan to help improve your performance and solve any problems you might be having.If your boss is the one delivering the criticism, it’s likely that they’ve already considered how you could improve â€" so may have already put together a plan for you to follow. If so, make sure you agree with and understand it beforehand.Then, actually implement it.Final thoughtsAlthough most criticism will be given constructively, this isn’t always the case.If you feel like a colleague or manager is singling you out, criticising you unfairly, or abusing their power, resist the temptation to retaliate.Instead, stay calm and professional â€" bringing any concerns you may have to the attention of your HR team.Still searching for your perfect position? Vie w all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Life At Work

Why Employee Recognition Schemes Can Attract Talent

Why Employee Recognition Schemes Can Attract Talent The best employees build the best companies. But many business owners looking for high calibre professionals are now finding that top talent is becoming more difficult to find and win over. Research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has shown that around three quarters of companies have seen an increase in unsuitable applicants to their job vacancies. It also found that over half of business owners feel that competition for talent is now greater than ever. However, certain companies are still managing to attract the most talented employees and it’s not necessarily those offering the largest salaries. The importance of choosing the right employee recognition and benefits schemes Employee recognition and bonus schemes are becoming increasingly valued by employees. They are one of the top reasons professionals are choosing to join certain companies, and failing to implement such schemes could be resulting in businesses missing out on talented candidates. A Tower Watson’s 2013/2014 Global Benefit Attitudes survey found that the attraction value of employee programs â€" particularly retirement and healthcare schemes â€" has remained strong in recent years. People are continuing to want more flexibility from their work environment, and benefits schemes allow employees to handle these complex needs. Employers adhering to this requirement for flexibility are not only being able to recruit the top talent, but are also benefitting from: Greater productivity Increased retention Higher retention rates A recent Benchmark Recruit survey also found that 19% of people quit their last job as they felt under-appreciated, while another 19% left as they felt disengaged and unmotivated. Recognition and benefits schemes give businesses the opportunity to appeal to this proportion of job seekers wanting appreciative and positive workplaces. They provide a clear message that a business takes a keen interest in their employees. In particular, flexible benefits packages tailored to employees can highlight that an organisation cares while facilitating choice and control from employees. Businesses with retirement and health care programs are some of those attracting the most high calibre candidates. As more people worry about their health, wellbeing and future, schemes including associated benefits provide potential candidates with the solutions they require. It has also been found that retirement and health care benefits mostly appeal to mid to late career employees as well as higher earners and senior-level candidates, meaning these benefits can help to attract the more skilled and experienced candidates. Businesses looking to recruit younger talent should include employee rewards schemes as well as promotion and growth opportunities along with development and training, as these have been found to appeal to younger candidates looking to work for an organisation for the long term. How to implement and advertise recognition and benefits schemes Employee benefit plans can be a major time and financial investment, so it is important for companies to get it right in order to gain the maximum possible value. When selecting the right blend of benefits, businesses need to carry out the following: Basic groundwork: Core benefits, funding and administrative procedures should be agreed upon. Source the right employee benefits: Potential benefits providers need to undergo a comprehensive review period, where the terms and conditions are negotiated before being agreed upon. Legal and tax compliance: Employment law and HMRC tax should be addressed to ensure complete compliance, which can be done with the guidance of legal and tax professionals. Final document: A document outlining the recognition and benefits scheme in detail should be put together, which covers rules, eligibility and default benefits. Promoting the schemes both amongst existing employees and when recruiting new staff is then imperative. A recent JLT survey found that 20% of employers with these programs leave it up to employees to find out more. Communication is crucial in order for the schemes to be as effective as possible. Job advertisements should contain a clear overview of each benefit that you offer and in interviews, an introduction to the different schemes can be valuable. The correct introduction and implementation of employee recognition and benefits schemes can then help businesses retain any top talent that they have recruited. While the programs can seem like a large investment in time and funds at the time, the ability to have the highest calibre of professionals driving your company forward really does make them a worthy investment. Author: Lauren Knowles is a digital content writer for Portfolio CBR, a recruitment firm specialising in matching high calibre professionals with compensation, benefits and rewards job vacancies at reputable companies across the UK.

Office Inspiration and Motivation

Office Inspiration and Motivation My husband and I spent all weekend cleaning our house which included cleaning out our guest room A.K.A the storage/junk  room.   We still have a way to go (dont you dare open that closet!) but it feels so good to be clean and organized again.   Now I have some high hopes for organizing my office this week.   My client is out of the office for a few days  so I should hopefully have more time on my hands to get organized. So here  is some office inspiration  to de-clutter and de-stress  my office this week!   I know I dont work at home but I really want to  make my office more homey and personal.   Considering I spend most of my day in my office, I want  it to be a  fun  and relaxing place to be. Dont you love these fun colors!   How do you keep your office fun, peaceful and relaxing?

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Dont let a verbal attack go unanswered

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Don't let a verbal attack go unanswered Not responding to a verbal attack at work can have serious consequences for your career, but there are ways to develop your ability to fire back with professionalism. One of the most frustrating things to happen at work is to get into a verbal tussle with someone and suddenly be unable to respond with anything beyond Oh, yeah? Once youve sunk to defending yourself on the level of an 8-year-old, you know that youve lost status with anyone who witnesses your humiliation, from your manager to the summer intern. Of course, its not always an all-out argument that can leave you tongue-tied and humiliated. In a meeting you may get a verbal smackdown from a colleague whodoesnt like your idea. Or, a team mate may make snide comments about your work that isntexactlyinsulting but you know a rude comment when you hear one. In all these case, its critical that you find a way to respond appropriately and immediately or youll just become theeasy targetof such smackdowns in the future. The result is an experience that is not only socially painful, but one that is physically painful as well. Specifically, researchers at UCLA found that after placing test subjects in an MRI scanner, their brains showed the same reaction to social rejection as those undergoing physical pain. If youd like to avoid the unpleasant experience of coming out on the losing end of a verbal smackdown, then youve got to hone your ability to respond to difficult conversations. In her book, Comebacks at Work, author Kathleen Kelley Reardon preaches that practice makes a difference. In other words, if you dont want to be left sputtering the next time you are confronted or insulted at work, then you need to prepare. She advises that overcoming brain freeze means that youve got to retrain your brain to see such situations as opportunities or challenges instead of feeling trapped. Once you understand that its ahabit you can break, then you know you can change and wont always be a victim of someone elses sharp tongue. One method she teaches for finding the right comeback is learning to use metaphors. This is especially valuable if the other person is insulting you (see more here)

#50- Career Expert Series - Reinventing Your Career with Caroline Dowd-Higgins

#50- Career Expert Series - Reinventing Your Career with Caroline Dowd-Higgins The Career Insider Podcast Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSSFor Episode 50of The CareerMetis Podcast, we will be hearing from Caroline Dowd-Higgins who shares us her insights about how to reinvent your career.evalThis interview is part of the “Career Expert Series“.Guest IntroductionevalCaroline Dowd-Higgins specializes in helping people with career reinvention. She is a career coach, published author and public speaker.Starting out her career in music, Caroline performed as an opera singer until deciding that the artist path was not for her, she shifted her focus and began helping others in the realm of career development.Her first and second edition books are titled “This Is Not The Career I Ordered” and explore the ideas of career reinvention and development.Episode Summary1. Caroline shares her interesting start and an unexpected shift tat happened to her career path.2. She shares some warning signs that may signify that someone is ready for a career change.3. Caroline discusses values, how they align with careers and how they change.eval4. Caroline discusses her 3-step process called Keep-Stop-Startthat helps people clarify what type of job or career to choose next.5. Caroline shares a method of identifying what’s important to someone who is thinking of switching careers.6. We discuss how almost everyone experiences self-doubt and the imposter syndrome during their career.7. She talks about changes in job searching and career development, as well as where technology plays a crucial part.eval8. Caroline talks about transferable experiences and skills, and the difference they make in a career shift.Quotes“It’s very rare that a single person has one career throughout their lifetime.”“You can reinvent, you can transform your career when you really focus on those transferable skills and experiences.”“If by Sunday afternoon you’re dreading going back to work on Monday Morning, that’s a pretty g ood sign that you might not be in a good fit”“Values are the biggest predictor of career satisfaction”“Don’t look for the unicorn, because they’re hard to find.”“The bottom line is Prove It”“It’s never too late or too early to change your mind.”LinksTo learn more about Caroline-Dowd Higgins and for additional resources, you can visit her websiteYou can also connect with her or follow her on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube.Her international podcast show â€" Your Working Life, features guest experts sharing wisdom about life and career.Intro Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" Siren KickbackEnding Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" No Need to Rush

Turn Your LinkedIn Profile Into an Attractive Infographic - CareerEnlightenment.com

What to Know About Resume Writing Alberta Works

What to Know About Resume Writing Alberta WorksAlberta Works has been established to give Albertans an opportunity to get a job with the provincial government. It was set up by the government of Alberta as a means of helping people who have lost their jobs. The program is currently designed to help unemployed Alberta residents obtain training and help when they need it most.The program helps job seekers find the right training to assist them in finding a new job. Job seekers that want to apply for employment with the government may be required to attend training programs and other programs. This provides an opportunity for job seekers to get trained on how to apply for work with the province.Employment opportunities are available for individuals who are looking for work with the Alberta government. There are various departments within the government that you can go through to help get the work you need. Some of the programs are helping unemployed individuals to find jobs within the d epartment of health and the ministry of social services. Once you are working in an area within these departments, you will be able to help people by helping them apply for jobs with Alberta.For job seekers, this is a great opportunity. You will not only have a chance to gain experience, but you will also be helping the people that are in need of your skills. The program has been designed to help people in the areas that require the most training and the least amount of training.It is important to know that any person who has obtained some sort of certification in a certain skill or knowledge will be able to apply for employment. This means that individuals with certificates or diplomas are able to gain training to help them land a job within Alberta. These are the individuals that have a degree that was earned while enrolled in a training program.Individuals may be able to get certificates from a certificate course such as a diploma in education certificate program. This is the sam e program that is offered at colleges across the country. It is important to note that the training program offered by Alberta works is considered to be equivalent to the requirements of the American career and technical education stream.There are certain requirements that may be necessary for you to successfully complete this program. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. They must also be a citizen of Canada.They may be asked to pay a non-refundable application fee and the program itself may take up to six months to complete. This is a learning experience for individuals that are going to enter the workforce after being unemployed for a long period of time. There are programs that will meet the needs of individuals that need help with the workplace.