Being on the receiving end of a poor performance review can be an upsetting experience. However, that doesn’t mean the situation will totally sabotage your career progression if you take the right approach. Instead, take negative feedback and turn it into a positive for your career with these steps from Murray Resources, one of the leading employment agencies in Houston:

Don’t get defensive.

When you’re being criticized, it’s only natural to feel defensive. But don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Rather than arguing with your boss, instead accept their feedback and take the time to think about it. In the moment, you might feel attacked. After some time, though, you could realize your boss is right and there are areas that need change.

Circle back to your boss.

As one of the top employment agencies in Houston, Murray Resources understands that getting negative feedback about your performance can be devastating, especially if you were expecting a positive review. As a result, you might have felt blind-sided during the experience and unable to process what was being said.

Once you’ve had some time to think the conversation through, get back together with your boss. If you have any questions or are looking for clarification, now’s the time to bring up those concerns. In addition, there may be areas where you feel you need extra training or help, or other issues your boss should know about, all of which you should bring up at this point.

Discuss next steps.

Negative feedback is never fun, but it is a learning experience. To get the most from it, make sure you’re clear on the situation and the expectations your boss has going forward. Also, prioritize goals and discuss the timeline for achieving them. Another area to talk about with your boss involves communication and monitoring the progress of improvements.

Ask for more feedback.

The last thing you want might want to do at this point is to ask for more feedback. But in the future, it’s the best way to ensure you’re staying on track toward your performance goals and making progress where you need to. It will also demonstrate to your boss your desire to improve.

When it comes to negative feedback, whatever you do, don’t get discouraged. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to improve and grow today, all so you can advance your career tomorrow.

Don’t want to wait? Ready to advance your career in a new position right now?

Murray Resources – one of the leading employment agencies in Houston – can help. We are your source for information and advice on career next steps, job leads, and how to get hired at the area’s top employers. Simply contact our team to learn more or search our jobs today.