How to get over critical comments from your boss

At one point or another, we all have to deal with critical comments from our superiors. Nobody thinks and works in the same way, so one man's standards may not be another's. And criticism can help us grow - sometimes it is exactly what we need to get out of a rut and work up the enthusiasm to move ahead. Here are some ways to get over critical comments without letting them fester:

Thank your boss for his/her comments

Few people take criticism well. It is likely to leave you feeling low and possibly rather bewildered. However, don't show your boss your feelings. Apologise and, if your boss hasn't already told you, ask what you can do to put the situation right. Don't deny responsibility and don't stomp off in a sulk; this will just make you seem childish and will not be appreciated.

Go away and consider the criticism

It may be tempting to ignore the criticism, but go home and think about what your boss has said. The likelihood is that he or she was right and that there was a better way that you could have done the task in question. Instead of letting the comments fester, be positive and think about what you need to do from now on. We all make mistakes. Think of it as a positive thing; face up to it and move on.

Think about how you can improve matters

As well as finding a solution to the task for which you have been criticised, think about what you can do to ensure that the same thing doesn't happen again. Perhaps there are steps that you could put in place to remind yourself. Or maybe you need to ask for some kind of process manual or training course to put yourself on the right track.

Talk to other colleagues about it

It is worth talking to other colleagues about the criticism. It may be that they have all had similar experiences at times, which will make you feel less picked on. They may be able to advise you of ways to ensure that it doesn't happen again. And generally, sharing a problem with other people is always helpful, although initially you may be reluctant to admit that you have done wrong.

If the comments are inappropriate, consider reporting them

There are generally rules in place to ensure that a manager doesn't go beyond the bounds of his/her power. However, there may be the odd occasion when your boss is out of order and really shouldn't have spoken to you in the way that he or she did. In this case, talk to colleagues first to find out if it is a common occurrence. Then consider talking to either human resources or your boss' superiors - but please be sure of your facts first or you may not be taken seriously and could make the matter worse.