I get a lot of critical feedback from my boss and I don't always know what to do with it or how to improve. Sometimes I don't even agree with the feedback. What should I do when I don't think the feedback is correct?

Life’s too short to work for a manager you can’t be transparent with. If you disagree with feedback, be honest and upfront about it. Explain why you feel it’s unfair, and ask your manager to walk you through their reasoning. Ideally, that conversation helps you understand their perspective and align expectations. If the feedback still feels off, it might mean one of two things; your leader doesn’t fully understand demand gen, or you’re not adjusting your language to match a non-marketing audienc ...Read More

This is a difficult question to answer, I would love more context in order to respond thoughtfully, but I will share this- a work enironment that is build around psychological safety, one that encourages healthy debate and conflict is (IMO), the envinroment that breeds the most creative and successful teams. It's good to disagree and work together to come to an agreement, or comprimise, but your leader may have context you don't have, and they may not even be able to share that context. In some ...Read More

I'll start off by saying: Feedback is a gift. It's totally normal to struggle with critical feedback, especially when you think your boss has it wrong. The trick is to swap your defensive posture for a data-gathering mindset. When you get the feedback, don't argue; immediately ask clarifying questions like, "Can you give me two specific examples?" or "What exact outcome were you hoping for?" After you gather those facts, take time to look for the kernel of truth (what's your truth vs. what's you ...Read More

Critical feedback can be difficult to hear, but it’s often a catalyst for growth. Even when you disagree with a review, resist the urge to dismiss it outright. Instead, ask questions and reflect. Have a follow up conversation with the person who gave the feeback, bringing data to clarify expectations and resolve any possible miscommunications. Realize that you can’t change someone's opinion of you until you’re ready to listen and focus on your own role in the situation. Steps to handle feedback ...Read More

You don't have to agree with feedback. But you do have to be open to hearing it, especially from a boss who has power over your career and performance reviews. And - I hate to say it - but not all bosses will have your best interests at heart, so not all feedback might be valuable. The best thing you can do is to take a step back and think about the feedback and where it might be coming from. Ask for specific examples and how they would have preferred you handle the situation or the work. And tr ...Read More

I think you need to acknowledge this problem with your boss, especially if you have data to back up why their feedback isn't helpful or is steering the strategy/project in the wrong way. Being able to solicit critique and then facilitate meaningful discussion about the work is key to success on complex marketing teams. Make the discussion about the work and about the impact it will or will not have on your customers, and not about the person. If this continues and the critical feedback keeps com ...Read More

That's a great question, and you're not alone, almost everyone struggles with critical feedback at some point. The key is to handle the two types of feedback: what you agree with and what you don't, very differently, but always with a professional, solution-oriented attitude. Feedback You Agree With When you recognize the feedback is fair, see it as a gold-plated opportunity for growth (also not all the manager are providing feedback so you are in luck) Take Accountability Immediately: Acknowled ...Read More

That’s a tough position to be in. Hopefully you have the type of communication in place where you feel safe to discuss it. If you do, I recommend approaching it from an objective perspective. There could be nuggets of growth opportunities within the feedback you receive. “... Don’t always know what to do with it…” Does this mean the way the feedback is given doesn’t feel productive? Or is something unclear as it relates to next steps? “... I don’t even agree with the feedback…” It’s completely f ...Read More