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I've a critical co-worker at my new job, and she is really getting me down. Any fun (but not harmful) ways of dealing with criticism that you use?
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California
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sat, November 7, 2009 - 11:17 PMI would probably ignore their critical tendencies and treat them really nice. that really pisses people off!
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sun, November 8, 2009 - 12:32 AMsounds like she's trying to keep you in check by her negative comments.
Do an excellent job and that will be revenge enough. Arrive early. Be thorough and efficient. People like her hate folks who know their job and are smart...so they need to nip pick. Keep doing a good job and make sure the big boss notices.
Keep organized. Keep track of everything.
And make sure everything is in writing...this way she can't say you didn't do a specific task.
I get a feeling she is worried about being upstaged by the new person. She sounds insecure and needs to be the queen of the office. Don't sweat her. Don't even try to please or compete with her, otherwise you might lose. Instead do a great job. Afterall that is why you are there to work. -
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sun, November 8, 2009 - 5:32 AMYou nailed her Ro.
Critical people really get to me, it just seems to create this negative, hostile environment that is tough to work in. I would like to change the tone of the environment, lighten it up a bit, bring some fun back in, kind of create a shield around her negativity. I really enjoy my job, and I want to take away her power to make it suck. -
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sun, November 8, 2009 - 5:42 AMI'm with Ro. Allow me to add one other thought. A colleague at an old job once shared that when the office politics got rough, he simply mentally envisioned his favorite holiday and palm tree he enjoyed sitting under while basking in the sun. Using whatever image most brings you peace, go there often and keep yourself mentally stimulated. I know it's easier said than done. However, with practice, it will help you keep your spirits up. I've worked in such settings before, and have a similar situation right now with a new position. Good luck. -
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sun, November 8, 2009 - 6:46 AMNo, that's great. I actually am working in one of the places I love most in the world, lol, so it won't be too much of a stretch! Thanks, I just want to stay positive, be happy, enjoy what I am doing.
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sun, November 8, 2009 - 8:11 AMI used to have a manager at a job who was really serious about it. When he'd come around with his perfectionism, I'd respond with over-the-top enthusiasm. It cracked both me and my other co-worker up, so his nitpicking became a fun thing instead of a negative thing. Luckily, he was a bit dim, so I could get away with more or less openly making fun of him. He'd just get this confused look on his face like, "What are you guys laughing at?".
So, I think, the best thing is to not take it seriously and try to find some humor in the fact that that person takes things so seriously. And if you can get away with some obviously feigned enthusiasm, it might be fun for at least you and maybe your other co-workers, too.
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Re: Responding to criticism
Sun, November 8, 2009 - 8:24 AMI used to have a manager at a job who was really serious about it. When he'd come around with his perfectionism, I'd respond with over-the-top enthusiasm. It cracked both me and my other co-worker up, so his nitpicking became a fun thing instead of a negative thing. Luckily, he was a bit dim, so I could get away with more or less openly making fun of him. He'd just get this confused look on his face like, "What are you guys laughing at?".
So, I think, the best thing is to not take it seriously and try to find some humor in the fact that that person takes things so seriously. And if you can get away with some obviously feigned enthusiasm and excited comments about how much you appreciate her input, it might be fun for at least you and maybe your other co-workers, too. If not out loud, you can at least do it in your head. I don't know... have fun with it.
