Why you should be especially glad about every setback
Listening to criticism is not necessarily one of the most pleasant things—especially when it concerns your own business, into which you invest all your energy and heart and soul every day. But even if critical words hurt at first, they are nothing less than a great opportunity to become even better. So instead of feeling attacked and immediately going on the defensive, you should listen very carefully and take criticism as a valuable impulse, no matter how unfriendly it may be phrased.
Always keep in mind: If someone expresses criticism, many others have likely already thought the same thing in silence. Therefore, it is wise to take every single comment seriously and treat it as important.
Of course, you cannot and do not need to immediately change everything that is criticized. Falling into actionism would be the wrong reaction. Simply ask yourself quite objectively to what extent the criticism is justified – was it due to the employee's daily mood, one-off events, or circumstances beyond your control – or is there actually a need for action? Quite a few shortcomings can be fixed quickly and easily – people simply hadn't paid attention to them until now.
“Creativity is when something occurs to you while you notice something.” (Gerhard Uhlenbruck)
INNOVATION ≠ REINVENTION
The topic of innovation is often associated with technology and major, groundbreaking changes. However, the application of new ideas and techniques is not innovative in itself, but should rather be seen as a means to an end: Innovation does not mean turning the entire company upside down and constantly reinventing yourself. Innovation is a matter of attitude and ideally takes place continuously: Don't let things become routine, don't leave anything unquestioned, and always be ready to optimize.
Innovation requires a readiness for reflection: facing criticism openly and willingly and constantly questioning the status quo.
Take targeted, data-driven steps with PERSENTIS
PERSENTIS is not a satisfaction survey, but asks very specific questions to determine the degree of fulfillment of the psychological contract, to gather impulses and to strengthen the employer brand at all levels. Negative criticism is part of it, but in hundreds of PERSENTIS surveys, it has never been the case that an employer has predominantly received criticism - quite the opposite: when reading the comments, the clients are often really touched by what employees perceive and what they see as special within the company. While in everyday working life it is mainly complaints that are brought to the management, a survey of this kind is a very good way of establishing their proportionality.
Side effect: Participation
Ability to innovate comes from within: When employees think along, think ahead, and contribute further, innovation can take place in the company. However, they also need to be allowed to do so! PERSENTIS encourages employees to contribute their experience, expertise, and ideas, thereby actively helping to shape the company.
