Employee asks for tips on how to correctly receive feedback so he doesn’t lose his next job: ‘I’m a hard worker, but aside from that, I seriously struggle with interpersonal relationships in the workplace’

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Olivia Arocena • Writer and Editor
Aug 12, 2026 4:00 PM EDT

Tips on learning how to receive feedback

The ability to receive feedback doesn't come easily to everybody. Some people have learned the skill very early on, for example, in school or in any activity involving teamwork and a certain degree of hierarchy. Still, even if you have had those experiences, it's not an easy skill to master for many people.

It's desirable to be invested in our jobs, but sometimes, it's precisely that investment that clouds our vision when it comes to feedback. For example, one can notice that some things in the workplace are unfair, but one should be very mindful of one's own position in the company so as not to come off as 'difficult to work with'.

Our primordial task should be our top priority. After we excel at that, we can concentrate on making further contributions. The key to making those contributions in a healthy manner would be to communicate them in a positive way, not as complaints, but as ideas that you came up with, trying to make a positive impact on the company.

The thing is, once you've communicated those ideas, there is nothing more you can really do, because your job is still being an employee, and you have no management responsibilities. So if some degree of injustice remains not being taken care of, sadly, you'll have to put up with it.

Of course, one can always look for another job if one's not aligned with the current company's values, but we all know how hard it is to find one that truly is aligned. In my opinion, we will always have to accept some things we don't like or don't agree with in our jobs.

Something that is, in fact, in our control is learning how to communicate those things in a way that causes no friction in the workplace, and learning when not to communicate them at all.  If I had to help someone to learn to deal with feedback starting from scratch, I would suggest delaying the response.

The key is to remain silent when you're receiving feedback, and then take your time to dissect it and process it on your own, so you'll be clearer when you give (or don't give) an answer.

What would you advise this employee to do?

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  • man holding head in frustration
    via Vitaly Gariev

    The employee wondering how to better take feedback

    Representation

  • I can't believe I'm asking this question, but I've realized I have a difficult time taking feedback from authority figures, specifically people whom I feel aren't qualified for their positions.
    via Best-Nature8317
  • I'm a hard worker, but I seriously need to lock in because I'm about to start a new job that I really can't fumble. I've been a server for the past year and a half, and while I was great at my
    via Best-Nature8317
  • job (great guest reviews, great performance scores from management back in February), I was starting to give my managers h | because I noticed unfairness and felt like it wasn't being taken care of.
    via Best-Nature8317
  • I'm not trying to argue for my position. I just need advice on how to shut the f up and take feedback without feeling the need to make sure everything is fair.
    via Best-Nature8317
  • I got the job I'm about to start through a guest who saw potential in me, and they want to pay me really well. I really just need help
    via Best-Nature8317
  • with the interpersonal aspect. I'm a hard worker, but aside from that, I seriously struggle with interpersonal relationships in the workplace.
    via Best-Nature8317
  • two men in suits watching smartphone
    via Sebastian Herrman

    The employee recieving feedback

    Representative image

  • kovanroad I think it helps to keep things simple. At a job, they pay you for your time to do work. That's it. No more, no less. Managers/employers are not required to be "fair", or "take care of" anyone.
    via kovanroad
  • Desperate-Office4006 You can start by just not saying anything at all, listening, and then taking time to fully process what you've heard. Fight the urge to respond immediately.
    via Desperate-Office4006
  • People who respond reactively to feedback send a message that they're short tempered, short sighted, impatient, selfish, and lack judgment. Try being quiet once and watch what happens.
    via Desperate-Office4006
  • SeaDry000 You don't have to respect them but you have to show respect. Keep your end goal in mind and disconnect from the job. Turn up and work hard, but let future you
    via SeaDry000
  • be the motivator, not the bosses orders. End of the day the work gets done, it's a chess match, not road rage.
    via SeaDry000
  • worker starting his day
    via Spot On

    The worker taking the chance to do things right

    Illustrative image

     

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workplace-stories toxic-workplace work workplace toxic-work-environment
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