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Home → HR Talks → Career Advice → Craving Feedback, Crumbling Under Criticism
As Gen Z becomes a significant part of today’s workforce, the importance of feedback is increasingly recognised. People now seek validation not just for praise, but to confirm they are on the right path and to receive encouraging words when they are. While many claim to value feedback, their tone often changes when confronted with negative or unflattering comments. The desire for validation goes unmet, insecurity surfaces, and defensiveness, anxiety, mental blocks may follow.
So, although asking for feedback is a promising first step, learning how to handle criticism is equally crucial. Without honest feedback, there is no real improvement and without improvement, there is no growth.
With the rise of Gen-Z, who expect frequent and real-time feedback rather than traditional annual reviews, feedback has become omnipresent. It is no longer limited to the workplace but woven into daily life. People seek reassurance on nearly everything, often turning to social media to ask for opinions with a single tap. Instagram polls invite feedback on personal choices, and TikTok videos ask viewers to rate outfits or suggest travel destinations. Involving others in even the smallest decisions has become commonplace.
However, this growing need for feedback goes beyond curiosity. For many, especially younger generations, feedback is tied to identity. Affirmation often translates to self-worth. Individuals don’t just want feedback; they want to feel good about it.
Despite a willingness to receive feedback, whether positive or negative, the reality is that processing criticism remains challenging. Every person has an ego, and well-intentioned feedback can threaten it. Often, feedback is misinterpreted as a judgment of character rather than a tool for development.
At their core, most individuals strive to perform well and to be recognised for their efforts. When criticism is internalised negatively, it can evoke feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, which may eventually result in emotional withdrawal. In today’s digital age, the rise of cancel culture increases the fear of failure. The online space can be ruthless and unforgiving, with public opinion turning against someone before they even had their morning coffee.
The key lies in transforming the fear of failure and criticism into opportunities for growth. Feedback is not rejection or a personal attack; it’s valuable information for improvement.
To truly benefit from feedback, developing certain communication skills is essential:
Receiving feedback is as much about how it is interpreted as how it is delivered. It goes beyond hearing; it’s about understanding. These skills lay the foundation for clear communication, mutual respect, and continuous development.
Craving feedback for growth and continuous improvement is only the first step. To truly benefit from it, individuals must also learn to accept the discomfort that often accompanies constructive criticism. Meaningful growth begins when one is willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace vulnerability.
Acknowledging when the ego is bruised allows individuals to transform that vulnerability into strength. The ability to receive feedback, whether positive or negative, is essential. After all, constant praise alone rarely leads to genuine development.
Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come from what we least expect, a mistake, a setback, or a failure. It’s how we respond that truly shapes our success.
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