Photo by Mimi Thian, Unsplash.

A while ago, a colleague came to me looking quite frustrated.

He said, “Every time my manager gives me negative feedback, I lose all my energy. I feel like my work has no value. For days, I cannot focus. I really do not know how to handle it.”

I told him: “I understand. That feeling is widespread. I used to react the same way.”

Then I asked: “When you receive feedback, are you more focused on defending yourself or on learning from it?”

He thought for a moment and replied: “Honestly… I usually get defensive because I am afraid of being judged.”

I suggested oa straightforwardpractice for the next time:

Instead of rushing to explain or justify, pause and say: “Thanks for the feedback. Could you share which part needs the most improvement?”

That is all. Nothing more. A week later, he came back, smiling: “It worked! My manager gave me particular points rather than vague criticism. I realized some of the feedback was about small details, not the whole project. Most importantly, I felt like I was in control of the situation rather than under attack.”

That moment reminded me of something important:

• Negative feedback is like a mirror.
• If we avoid it, we miss the chance to grow.
• If we face it with curiosity, it shows us exactly where to improve.

Since then, I keep reminding myself and others:

• Negative feedback is not our enemy.
• It is a roadmap to becoming a better version of ourselves.