Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Kayla Gregory is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Kayla Gregory and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Kayla Gregory is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Kayla Gregory and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
My boss recently returned from a four week vacation, and after catching her up on everything, I gave her copies of some of the projects I had been working on in the meantime — mostly flyers and postcards, because my job requires me to dabble in graphic design. Today she came in with one of them and asked if I wanted some feedback.
“Sure,” I said. I mean, of course I want to improve my work, right?
Only when she started pointing out that I had missed the call to action, that she couldn’t tell the front of the flyer from the back of the flyer, and that the website screenshot I included was confusing, I started getting defensive.
“Well, that’s what [the person I designed this for] gave me to work with, and, I mean, this is really just a placeholder for a better publication that we can’t afford to print right now…” blah blah blah. I started listening to myself and was shocked. I mean, basically, I was making excuses for half-assing the project instead of really listening to my boss’s feedback to improve my work.
Then, I started reflecting on the feedback I typically get for my work, and I realized that it had been months since I really showed someone a project and asked for honest feedback. I used to share my cubicle with a colleague and would bounce ideas off of her constantly, but she left and we haven’t been able to replace her. My boss and I both have been so busy, and so for the past few months I’ve been able to just turn out projects sort of under the radar.
It’s somewhat accepted that taking constructive criticism is an acquired skill, but I’d argue that it’s also something you have to practice. I’ve read that Generation Y wants more, if not constant feedback, and I think it’s up to us to put the systems in place to ensure that feedback is regular and constructive. For me, that’s going to mean finding a backup to run through my projects with me when my boss is unavailable. For my friend/former coworker in Salt Lake City, it means emailing materials to former coworkers on occasion for some honest opinions.
And for anyone who wants regular feedback, it means identifying the people who will give you useful, honest feedback when you need it, and getting into the habit of incorporating that feedback (even the criticism) into your work.
Kayla:
Good post. Whenever you work in a creative area, criticism stings a little more I think, because it's a little of you in the work.
I also think that in some respects Gen Y is at a disadvantage, because they did receive a lot more positive feedback growing up that the Boomers and the Xers did. They are used to getting that pat on the back often. While I feel that the Y's fear failure a lot less than older generations because of this, they also are challenged with negative feedback. Not to the degree that they'll never get over it, it's just one of their hurdles.
A comparable example would be Xers learning to soften some of their language when we got into the workforce. The Boomers came up in a time when schools were overflowing and they needed to really learn to "be nice" - which meant using a certain amount of passive language not to rock the boat. The Xers grew up with MTV and millions of marketing messages being hurled at them. They learned to be very direct to make sure they got through the clutter. But when the Xers entered the work place, that directness was taken as being "not nice." But we learned to play ball - just like the Ys will get better at the criticism game.
criticism is a challenge that people claim Gen-Y wants. It is not true.
I encourage teams to practice and learn to seperate the personal feelings with the team end goals.
The important part is for the individuals to keep the team in mind - and not alow personal feelings and desires to intercede the team criticism of achieving greatness.
I feel you on this one. When I first started my job in journalism and my stories would be returned to me covered in red slashes, it was a little heart-breaking. But I finally came to terms with the fact that I am young and still learning, and the people editing my work are extremely experienced and have excellent advice. Now, instead of feeling defensive or upset, I try to soak up all their suggestions, knowing it will make me stronger. Growing tough skin is hard, but necessary, I think.
It's true. I find a good thing to keep in mind when practicing the art of accepting criticism is to be moldable. People will take the time to help you get better if you make it clear you want to improve. Just remind yourself that you aren't striving for perfection and accept constructive criticism with gratitude.
I grew up to be defensive because I always criticized as a kid. By my family. By my peers. And I never got over it. It was even hard in art school when all you do is suffer through critiques. I hope to work on it in the future because I want people to help me and shape my ideas in order to make them better. But as perfectionist and a person who craves to be self-sufficient, I know it's not going to be easy. But, that makes it even more important to accomplish.
Stop using your companies pre-printed thank you notes. Hand write a thank you note! Hand writing is much more personal and it shows you care. More...
Josh Swindle to All Fans
7 people have recommended this.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Email
Print
