How to handle criticism at work

Updated November 9, 2026

When you're criticized at work, pause, ask for a specific example, and say you'll think about it instead of defending yourself on the spot. Later, keep the useful part, let go of the tone, and tell the person what you'll do differently.

What to do

1. Breathe before you answer. Your first reaction will be to defend yourself. Take a breath, nod, and let them finish.
2. Ask for one example. "Can you give me an example of when that happened?" Vague criticism like "you're not proactive" becomes something you can act on.
3. Take time if you need it. "Thanks, I want to think about this and come back to you tomorrow." That's a strength, not a dodge.
4. Sort it. Is it true, partly true, or not true? Is it about the work or about you? Keep what's useful, even if it was delivered badly.
5. Close the loop. Within a week, tell them what you're changing. A month later, ask if they see a difference. That turns a bad moment into proof you improve.
6. Correct facts calmly. If it's wrong, show the evidence once, without heat. For a formal bad review, see what to do after a bad performance review.

What to say

In the moment, then when you follow up:

Thanks for telling me. Can you give me an example so I understand exactly what you mean? Then, a few days later: I thought about what you said about my reports. You're right that the key numbers were buried. From now on I'll put a summary at the top. Could you tell me in a month if it's better?

Avoid

• Explaining why it wasn't your fault before you've understood the point.
• Venting about it in the team chat or to coworkers right away.
• Agreeing to everything to end the conversation, then changing nothing.

Questions