How To Handle Criticism Like a Pro

Whether as an artist or a freelancer, negative feedback sucks.

About a year ago, I was working on an article on car repair for a digital agency. It should have been a pretty by-the-numbers assignment, but the editor had certain expectations for the piece and its tailored audience.

I spent a lot of time researching, finding sources, case studies, statistics, and the works. I had a good outline, and when I turned the job in, I expected a nice pat on the back as I received notification of payment.

Instead…

Instead, I got the piece back (in Google Docs) practically covered in highlights and notes about sections that didn’t work for her that needed to be rewritten.

I was really taken by surprise by this.

I considered the editor to be a friend of mine. We interacted a lot outside of our work relationship, and she always had great things to say about my writing.

So dealing with a page full of (virtual) red ink really threw me.

I’m not ashamed to admit now that I pretty much shut down for the rest of that week. I dreaded revisiting the piece and questioned whether or not I was the right person for the job after all. And what if she decided I lost my touch and wouldn’t send me more work? What if it affected our friendship?

What if, what if, what if?

Uf. It was a rough week.

I was fortunate, though. My editor friend realized that the feedback this time really got to me, and we spent a fair amount of time talking about the piece, and the nature of our work, and how I wrote a good article, but it needed a different direction for her purposes, and so on.

And we talked about the nature of criticism itself. I wasn’t her first writer to respond this way. It had nothing to do with her as an editor. Once I stood back and gained some perspective, I realized she was right about everything.

But that doesn’t make it easy when first confronting criticism.

In the spirit of saving you some of that angst, here are some ways you can handle criticism when it comes your way.

Take a pause

You rarely have to respond or answer to feedback immediately — especially negative feedback. It’s best if you don’t, actually. If the criticism has you riled up, go for a walk and compose your angry retorts in your head. Maybe mutter them aloud. Whatever it takes to get it out of your system.

When you’ve had a little bit of time, then respond. Thank them for the feedback and ask about how the work could be improved.

If the client is, for whatever reason, abusive in their comments, remember that you do not have to accept that. Ask that they remain professional. Should they refuse, you’re within your rights to get out of the job.

But if the feedback is presented reasonably and constructively, but still bothers you, then take some time to gather your thoughts and wits, keep calm, and remind yourself that this is all part of the process of making a quality piece.

It’s not personal

Very few people go out of their way to find negative ways to give feedback. The chances are far higher that the issue at hand has nothing at all to do with you personally than it does with specific parts of your project that need improvement or redirection.

It can be challenging for many artistic types to separate anything we create from our personal selves, but the truth is that the client doesn’t really view it that way.

It’s a rare project that’s perfect the first time around. Understand that, and realize it’s not an attack. It’s certainly not an attack on you personally. In fact, consider it an act of faith in you that the client believes you can turn in an even better piece.

Take the notes given and have another whirl.

Consider things from their perspective

Many times, there’s more to the story. While you’re stressed by the criticism you’ve received, is the person you’re working for having to answer to someone else who has specific standards or expectations? It makes sense that the person making demands on your work would want to hand over the best piece possible. Their job rides on this as well.

Even if you’re working for the sole owner of another operation, that person will want the best work they can get. Maybe they could be a bit more diplomatic. More likely, they’ve got their own stress going on.

Remember, it’s not personal, and there is likely more going on than you’re aware of.

Treat it as a learning experience

I know that sounds a little lame, but there is some truth to it. That piece I wrote on car repair last year? I did learn a few things from the experience of getting all of that criticism.

I learned there is always room for improvement, and by working with the editor, I learned some practical ways to be a better freelance writer. I’m a better writer than I was a year ago. My heartless, cruel, highly-critical editor can take credit for that.

Well, some credit, at least. I did all the hard work of learning and rewriting and whatnot.

Try to take feedback as an educational sort of experience. What can you learn about your craft?

Even if you did no wrong and your client is just being a jerk, there is some kind of lesson to be taken away — even if it’s merely a lesson that life isn’t always fair.

Show them what you can do

This is your opportunity to knock your critic’s socks off.

That’s really all that needs to be said in this section. Take the feedback and give them something even better.

There’s almost always a way to turn a negative into a positive

I don’t mean to sound all Pollyanna here, but a lot of this is on you. If you get hung up by negative feedback, you’re just going to spin your wheels and not get anywhere.

Taking a break, looking at it from the client’s perspective, seeing it as a learning experience — all of these are good ways to react and then handle criticism. Taking feedback as a constructive sort of thing can only help you grow whether you’re an artist, a writer, or any kind of freelancer.

Adopt the right attitude, and receiving criticism can be a valuable experience.

Thank you for reading. I’d love to share more with you via my Bi-Weekly Word Roundup newsletter sent to subscribers every other Sunday. It will feature news, productivity tips, life hacks, and links to top stories making the rounds on the Internet. You can unsubscribe at any time.