WORK. We all gotta do it. It is essential to survival, because if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat, right? Work can be an enjoyable thing but sometimes work can be highly stressful for a plethora of reasons. I would like to discuss one part of work that I don’t enjoy but in my working life, I have come to understand that it is often necessary.That would be criticism. In fact it makes cringe actually.
As of late work, has been particularly trying for me. My work involves me putting together well-designed marketing packages for properties that are for sale. Like deals that are worth several million dollars. Designing doesn’t always come easy to me but I can do it. It takes me some time but I can do it. Well this week, I’ve had to endure being told that my work doesn’t look good, that the designs were ugly and unliked. Ouch. Definitely something you don’t want to hear after you’ve spent hours putting it together for them. So what’s a girl to do? How do you handle criticism from your bosses? Because despite the criticism I was receiving, I still had to produce a good product. Here’s what I did:
1. Ask Questions
Sometimes when it comes to producing a creative product, people or clients have a hard time expressing exactly what they want. They say something like, “just make it look good” and you go and do that only for you to find out that’s not what they meant. So I ask questions, I go through each page with them if I have to. I ask what are you trying to accomplish here? What do you want to highlight on this page? Why is this important? You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions,it is welcomed a good majority of the time. Plus it shows you taking ownership of your job.
2. Exceed Expectations
Be willing to do what is necessary to get the job done. This usually means working longer hours or picking up extra shifts. Though I do find it frustrating when projects are not executed in the way they should be. I still want to do a good job. So I put in the work for that to happen. Making efforts like this usually doesn’t go unnoticed by management. Even it does go unnoticed, having an impeccable work ethic makes you hire worthy in anyone’s book.
3. Bulk Up Your Training
Not being a designer by trade, I always am seeking to improve my skills. I am way better designer than when I first started this job. This is due to the fact that I spent hours watching instructional design videos and practicing things I learn. I am now at a point where I can fine tune a couple of skills. in fact, I will have some downtime soon and I already have planned some training for myself. Pay attention to the things you keep getting critiqued on and then go out and get the training that you need so that you can improve.
How do you handle criticism from your boss on the job? Please share. I am curious to know.
thecuriousgal.com 