Turn Criticism into Growth

Note from Yann:👋 Hey everyone, Yann AïtBachir here! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career in tech.

Did you already received feedback that sounded like criticism?

The immediate reaction is to turn defensive, but taking a deep breath and asking clarification questions can turn criticism into fuel for personal growth.

This week, I'm sharing how to use criticism as a tool for self-improvement.

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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I was in a weekly 1:1 with my boss.

When my manager told me my communication style was “too abrupt.”

I was shocked. I thought I was being clear and concise. It feels unfair.

I immediately reacted defensively and pushed back. I was wrong.

I should have taken a deep breath and asked, “Could you share an example?”.

That small question could have led to a more constructive conversation. And ultimately helped me refine my communication.

Exactly, feedback is the fuel for growth. Even when poorly delivered.

We often hear about how to give feedback.

But knowing how to receive it is even more important. It’s what helps you perform better, build stronger relationships, and make a bigger impact.

Think of feedback as a mirror.

Sometimes it shows you what you expect to see.

Other times, it reveals things you’ve missed.

Either way, it’s incredibly valuable for your development.

I already wrote an article on How to Respond to Feedback, it cover the appropriate way to respond and use it for our personal growth.

Unfortunately, not all feedback lands well.

Sometimes it feels more like criticism.

It is easily to be defensive.

Why Receiving Every Feedback Well Matters

We are all carving for more feedback. So can't limit ourselves to only a few.

Even poorly delivered feedback can help us to boost:

1. Awareness

Feedback highlights gaps between how you see yourself and how others see you. It helps you identify areas for growth.

2. Growth

Good feedback is like a bridge. It connects where you are now to where you want to go in your career.

3. Trust

Responding well to feedback builds trust. It opens the door to honest conversations with your team and your manager.

How to Use All Feedback to Grow

So, How to use these even poorly delivered feedback to help us to grow?

1. Be Curious

Don’t get defensive.

Treat feedback like a puzzle to solve. Ask questions to understand it better.

If your manager says you need to be "more proactive," ask for example, "Does that mean spotting risks earlier? Taking on more ownership? Or communicating updates more often?"

2. Show You’re Listening

Your body language matters. Stay open.

Uncross your arms, make eye contact, and nod to show you’re engaged.

Even if you disagree, avoid shutting down. Your posture says a lot.

Paraphrase the feedback to confirm you understood.

“My project updates could be shorter. Is that right?” This shows you’re listening and avoids misunderstandings.

3. Say Thank You

Always thank the person giving you feedback.

It shows you value their input and encourages them to keep being honest.

A simple “Thanks for sharing this” can go a long way.

4. Focus on What’s Actionable

Don’t get stuck on negative comments.

Shift your energy to what you can improve.

If someone says your emails are too long, take it as a chance to practice being concise.

5. Take a Beat

You don’t have to respond right away.

If feedback feels overwhelming, step back.

Take time to think about it. A calm response is always better than a rushed one.

Later you can use feedback to create an action plan.

For instance, “To be more proactive, I’ll start sending weekly updates and flagging risks earlier. Let’s check in after a month."

Receiving feedback isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making progress.

Feedback is not a discussion about who is right or wrong. It’s about sharing perceptions of your actions.

Treat every feedback as an opportunity to learn, and you’ll grow faster, build stronger connections, and stand out as a leader.

Turn feedback into your secret weapon for career success.

Future you will be glad you did.

About You: What’s the most surprising piece of feedback you’ve ever received?

How did you reacted?

Share your story in the comments. I’d love to read it!

Note from Yann: 👋 Hey folks! Thanks for reading the 32nd edition of The Simple Leader’s Playbook.

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