Weeks 23-24: Accepting Criticism with Grace

Let’s face it, criticism can be challenging to accept. To a perfectionist  – it’s a bullet to heart. But without constructive criticism, there is no motivation for growth, adaptation, or development of our ‘best professional self.’

Construct criticism is a daily occurrence as a dietetic intern – but only because we solicit it. Every project, assignment, and evaluation requires feedback (both positive and negative) from a preceptor. At times it can feel like your day is being examined under a magnifying glass, but in all honestly – think of it as gift. How often do you get a daily performance evaluation? With that being said, here a few tips to handling criticism in your dietetic internship.

1. Listen

The first response most of us have when it comes to even the best intended criticism is to become defensive. As much as your chest feels tight and your face reddens, hearing the criticism all the way through will only help you improve.

2. Accept that you are NOT perfect

Everyone makes mistakes – especially interns! It’s just part of the learning process. I’ve mixed up patient records, recommended the wrong diet, shown up at the wrong location – and the world is still turning. No one expects you to be perfect. In fact, you will probably be your harshest critic.

3. Don’t take it personally

Criticism is about the work, not the person. It should never feel like a personal attack. Your preceptors are your mentors and they want you to improve. This also means that not everything you do will be rewarded with a gold star on your forehead. The advice and criticism your preceptors extend to you is ultimately for your best interest. Accept the feedback as it is intended, to help you.

4. Own it 

Absorb the criticism  – your preceptors are telling you this for a reason. If they didn’t care about you, they wouldn’t even bother to give you feedback. Own up to your mistakes. Take notes and ask questions.

5. Double, triple check your work

People make mistakes; I mean we are only human! However, if you continually make the same mistakes your preceptor will likely get frustrated. Before emailing your work or printing out a copy, double-check everything! Proofread, proofread, proofread! I find it helpful to read my work out loud.

The dietetic internship is a learning experience so soak up all the advice and criticism that you can.

Until next week,

-S