We’ve all been there before. You pour your heart, time, and soul into a project, only to have it rejected by your boss, supervisor, or project manager. It sucks, but it happens.
Criticism and rejection are part of the process, especially in creative fields like design and content creation. And even though none of us like to be told that our work isn’t up to par, we have to learn to deal with it, learn from it, and turn it into a positive force. It’s the only way we can grow and become better at our craft.
So here are four solid tips that can help you deal with the infamous “no” in the workplace.
1. Prepare yourself.
You are not perfect. You will experience rejection. You will be criticized. Your work will be scrutinized.
Got it?
It’s going to happen, so the best thing you can do is mentally prepare yourself for it. Even if you’ve meticulously combed through your work and revised multiple drafts, even if you’ve got it right 100 times in the past, never let yourself believe that you’re untouchable.
If you’re ready for criticism, it’s easier to handle.
2. Don’t Argue. Discuss
Moments of rejection can sometimes feel a little tense, so in order to avoid any conflict and move forward, it’s important to stay objective and ensure that both you and your critic understand where the other is coming from.
Ask plenty of questions so you can pinpoint exactly what needs to be fixed and what you need to do to fix it. Do not start a revision until all of your questions have been answered and you have a clear picture of your critic’s position.
Also, speak up. Let your voice be heard, albeit in the most professional way possible. It’s okay to defend your work, just make sure you listen to your critic with an open mind.
3. Don’t Ignore It
We are prideful creatures. It’s hard enough to admit when we’re wrong. It’s even harder to take someone else’s criticism and apply it to our own work. However, when that criticism comes from a direct supervisor, do not ignore it.
Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the company. For writers and designers applying their energies in a business atmosphere, this can sometimes be difficult to accept. But we have to remember that the end goal isn’t to create a work of art. It’s to sell product and generate profit. So put your ego aside and apply the criticism you’re given.
4. Seek It Yourself.
They say the best way to take a punch is to lean into it. The same principle works just as well here.
Out of all the advice we can give you, sometimes the best method for dealing with criticism is to just go out and ask for it. And don’t wait until you’ve completed your project. Let people see your ROUGH draft, your second draft, and so forth. Seek criticism at every step.
Though we may not like it, criticism and rejection are good things. They help us grow, learn, and progress in our craft; because it doesn’t matter how many years of experience we have under our belt, or how skilled we have become at what we do, there is always room for improvement.
